Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Off-grid Homes: Energy Support

19 October 2022 · 13 other contributors · 4,701 words

Opened by Fay Jones Con Brecon and Radnorshire

Responding minister: Graham Stuart

EnergyEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Fay Jones raised concerns about off-grid homes: energy support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The MP is concerned about the 60% increase in heating oil costs since the war in Ukraine.
  • Off-grid homes are on average five years older than urban homes, leading to higher energy costs and vulnerability.
  • The MP requests the government to reassess and provide more support to rural households dependent on heating oil or LPG.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for a reassessment of the amount of support offered to rural areas and seeks further action from the government to address current gaps in support. She requests that the Government reconsider whether more could be done to support rural households, particularly those dependent on heating oil or LPG.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Fay Jones Con Brecon and Radnorshire

The MP is concerned about the high cost of heating oil, which has increased by nearly 60% compared to prices before the war in Ukraine. She mentions that off-grid homes are on average five years older than urban areas, leading to higher energy costs and vulnerability. The Country Land and Business Association reports that 70% of rural housing across the UK is off the gas grid, using alternative heating methods such as oil or LPG, which do not receive equity support with more urban households.

Other contributors (13)
  • Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli

    Asked for further consideration of support not only for off-grid homes but also for off-grid businesses.

  • Claire Hanna SDLP Belfast South and Mid Down

    The hon. Member for Belfast South and Mid Down inquired about any modelling being done by the Government to issue support directly to households using oil suppliers, noting that half of remaining homes use keypad meters.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    The hon. Member emphasised the need for significant intervention in the oil market as £100 does not suffice, considering the rising costs of filling an oil tank.

  • Edward Timpson

    The hon. Member for Eddisbury inquired about dual-purpose properties where accommodation is above a pub or farmhouse could be supported by the Government's scheme.

  • Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent

    The hon. Member for Faversham and Mid Kent expressed concern over the £100 support provided by the Government, stating that it was not enough to address worries of constituents who use heating oil or live in park homes. The MP highlighted the issue of heating oil costs, with a constituent paying £500 for 500 litres of oil, which barely lasts through the winter. She also mentioned that between May 2020 and May 2022, the average price of heating oil in the UK increased by almost 250%. Agreed with the complexity of helping off-grid individuals, especially regarding heating oil market competition. Pushed for reassurance on price increases and clarity for those in park homes.

  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    Welcomed the Minister to his position and highlighted concerns about the lack of regulation for heating oil, suggesting that competition issues could lead to higher prices.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross suggested that a Government Minister should visit his constituency to meet with citizens advice organisations, offering accommodation if necessary. The MP raised concerns about the cost of heating oil for constituents living in remote areas. He noted that many rural homes are off the gas grid and rely on alternative fuels such as LPG or wood pellets.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member for Strangford highlighted that two-thirds of Northern Ireland homes are oil-dependent, questioning whether the Government need to monitor the situation to ensure those who need help most receive it.

  • Julian Sturdy

    The hon. Member congratulated his colleague for securing the debate and noted that off-grid energy support affects vast areas of the country, not just remote rural communities.

  • Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

    The hon. Member for Epping Forest welcomed the recognition from the Government regarding off-grid households but urged for more clarity and certainty about further protections available to residents.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    The hon. Member for Honiton and Sidmouth emphasised the need for additional support for off-grid households in his part of the west country, stating that £100 offered by the Government does not suffice.

  • Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle

    Acknowledged the work of her colleague in representing off-grid residents, highlighted a winter support summit held in her constituency where various organisations were brought together to help vulnerable individuals. Encouraged hon. Members to explore energy companies' schemes aimed at supporting the most vulnerable. Expressed appreciation for the £100 figure mentioned by the Minister and requested a 'Dear colleague' letter explaining the rationale behind it. Also acknowledged the energy price guarantee but inquired about further support as prices rise.

  • Virginia Crosbie

    The hon. Member thanked her colleague for leading the debate and asked whether the Minister agrees that a price cap should be applied to off-grid heating oil, mirroring that of gas and electricity.

Government Response

Graham Stuart

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Murray. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire on securing the debate. The Government recognise the pressures people are facing due to rising energy costs, particularly those in rural areas who rely on off-grid heating methods like oil or LPG. Since May, £37 billion of support has been announced, with vulnerable households receiving £1200 annually before additional measures such as the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) and alternative fuel payments are applied. The minister highlighted that while wholesale energy prices have risen significantly, with heating oil experiencing a 147% increase from September 2021 to September 2022, the Government's support has mitigated this impact for on-grid homes through the EPG. For off-grid homes, an additional one-off payment of £100 is provided equally across the UK. The minister stressed that while this may initially seem inequitable compared to the £100 monthly benefit given to on-grid households, it reflects comparable support and necessary adjustments for alternative fuels due to market dynamics. He also committed to monitoring these costs moving forward and being prepared to intervene if prices spike further.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy