Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Household Energy Bills

Tuesday 10 February 2026 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial taxes on the wealthiest were raised to enable an average 150 reduction off household energy bills from April.
  • The Government aims to allow more people to convert to cheap, clean power through their warm homes plan.
  • The Secretary of State's response includes consulting on moving warm home discount from fixed cost standing charges to unit rates.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury
Energy
Context

The question is prompted by concerns over the increasing cost of energy for households in Chester South and Eddisbury.

Question

What steps he is taking to reduce energy bills. Given recent Budget decisions, how will they ensure an average reduction of £150 off household energy bills from April?

Answer from Ed Miliband

Bills are too high and the cost of living crisis is the biggest issue facing the country. At the last Budget, taxes on the wealthiest were raised to enable taking an average £150 off household energy bills from April. This builds on the price cap and average energy bills being lower in real terms in 2025 than in 2024.

Answered
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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Climate Energy
Context

Concerns arise from a recent statement suggesting that cost-pass through could be at 80-90%, implying higher bills for households.

Question

We were promised a reduction in bills of £300, but they have actually gone up by just shy of £200. With the impact assessment stating cost-pass through could feasibly be at 80-90%, does this mean even higher bills?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The right hon. Gentleman's first point is wrong; he compares one quarter with today, but across 2025, bills are lower than in 2024. The £150 taken off energy bills from April is a significant step.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific concern about cost-pass through being at 80-90%

How: Focused On Overall Bill Reduction

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Q3 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Housing Energy Environment
Context

A consultation on alternative heating does not cover installation costs, which is a significant barrier for many off-gas area residents.

Question

The Government's consultation on alternative heating that ends today does not cover installation costs. Given National Energy Action's warning of an £18 billion funding gap to meet fuel poverty targets, what will the Government do to ensure those least able to afford alternative forms of heating are supported?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The hon. Lady is right; my ministerial colleagues will take into account her points from the consultation. We aim to allow as many people as possible to convert to cheap, clean power through our warm homes plan and the ongoing consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or funding plans

How: Promised To Consider

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Q4 Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury
Energy
Context

Recent surveys show that households with heat pumps are facing increased heating costs due to electricity prices being four times higher than gas.

Question

A recent survey shows that two thirds of households with heat pumps report increased heating costs. Despite promises, energy bills have risen by £190. Does the Secretary of State acknowledge that his choices are making it harder for households to switch to greener options?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The hon. Lady is reading from a Whips' handout; however, I will say that the Chancellor's action in removing the renewables obligation from bills and putting it on public expenditure was the biggest cut to electricity costs since even the Conservatives were in office.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the challenge of high electricity prices for heat pumps

How: Focused On Positive Steps

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Q5 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Energy
Context

There is a need to roll out extra grid infrastructure to support the transition to renewable energy sources, which is crucial following years of underinvestment.

Question

The cost of new infrastructure contributes to higher bills. Given today's record amounts in solar power from the auction round 7, what approach will be taken for rolling out and maintaining the necessary grid infrastructure?

Answer from Ed Miliband

My hon. Friend is correct to highlight this morning's auction with record amounts of solar power, which costs less than half new gas. On the point about infrastructure, we inherited a terrible legacy but are now building necessary infrastructure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a detailed approach for grid expansion and maintenance

How: Noted The Problem But Did Not Detail

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Q6 Amanda Hack Lab North West Leicestershire
Energy
Context

There is a need to address standing charges, which disproportionately affect those in fuel poverty.

Question

My constituents will benefit from an average £150 cut per household to energy bills. Can the Secretary of State outline expected changes to fixed elements like standing charges, which impact fuel-poor households more?

Answer from Ed Miliband

My hon. Friend draws attention to the important issue of standing charges; we are consulting on moving warm home discount from fixed cost standing charges to unit rates, welcomed by Martin Lewis, among others. We want to reduce standing charges and will announce consultation results soon.

Answered
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Q7 Catherine Atkinson Lab Derby North
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

A local pension advice service has delivered significant benefits to eligible pensioners in Derby, highlighting the need for similar nationwide initiatives.

Question

Last year, a free local pension advice service was launched, delivering over half a million pounds to eligible pensioners. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure people know about support reducing household bills?

Answer from Ed Miliband

My hon. Friend highlights an important issue; as part of our warm homes plan, we are setting up a warm homes agency to provide information and advice on cutting bills and upgrading homes, making the biggest public investment ever seen in this country.

Answered
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