Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Costs: Businesses

Tuesday 6 January 2026 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2026-01-06 regarding energy costs for businesses.
  • Dr Danny Chambers from Winchester inquired about the challenges small and medium-sized businesses face due to high electricity bills, noting the average monthly bill is 240.
  • The Minister responded that the Government is not satisfied with the current energy situation and highlighted the historical causes of energy volatility linked to reliance on oil and gas from certain countries.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Context

The MP noted that many small businesses, including a Spanish café in Winchester, face significant challenges due to high electricity bills and energy volatility. He cited statistics indicating that the average monthly electricity bill for a small business is £240, and 92% of such businesses plan to increase prices to cope with fluctuating energy costs.

Question

Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy; many face significant challenges due to high electricity bills. The average monthly electricity bill is now £240, and 92% of businesses will increase prices because of energy volatility. Does the Minister agree that this situation fails small businesses, and will he commit to reviewing how to end the wild west of energy regulation?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)

I hope that it was clear in my previous answer that the Government are not satisfied with the position as it is. Of course, energy volatility has historically been caused by our reliance on oil and gas from petrostates and dictators. The Conservatives wish to return to that policy. Our clean power mission will ensure future energy security for businesses and consumers. Unlike climate-denying policies of the Conservatives and Reform, ours will deliver green energy and energy security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to a review or provide specifics on addressing energy volatility regulation.

How: Attack

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