Live Energy and Climate Change Questions House of Commons

all to do with energy efficiency followed by a question from Chris

Harris about wind farm applications. Border. Order. Questions to the

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Number one, please

Mr Speaker. According to my department 's latest bill poverty

statistics, less than 5% of fuel households in England have a minimum

energy efficiency standard of Banda Sea, leaving 2.2 million households

below the standard. Bringing this has felt up-to-the-minute and

standard is a challenging ambition but one we are determined to meet.

That is why we have been clear available support needs to be

focused on those most in need. We will be reforming both the renewable

heat incentive and the energy company obligation to make sure that

both schemes are sufficiently targeted towards the fuel poor and

to tackle the root causes of fuel poverty -- Band C. The Government

recently spent ?50 million of taxpayers money assisting a bunch of

big businesses like Sainsbury is to change their light bulbs. Meanwhile,

they halved home installation funding in this last Parliament. It

was meant to help families out of fuel poverty. I don't ask how many

Tories it takes to change a light bulb but doesn't this show whose

side they are on? I think she's in danger of misunderstanding

reduction. Two pilots have been launched, both have been effective

in terms of reducing the amount of energy used which is one of our key

targets in carbon emissions and in energy security. It is, in no way

interferes with our key objective of making sure we reduce fuel poverty

at all levels. Would she be good enough to publish the statistics for

Northamptonshire for the number of homes which don't meet this

standard? In Northamptonshire, one of the big issues we have is a large

number of new houses being built. Can she confirm that all these new

houses are required to meet this minimum standard? I would be

delighted to publish those statistics and I will write to my

honourable friend with them. I can say new build houses always build to

a far higher standard than existing buildings and the challenge of fuel

poverty is almost eradicated for new builds, so I hope his constituents

will welcome affordable winters in the future. Has the Secretary of

State managed to have any discussions with her Welsh

Government counterparts, the savings scheme, which is where the 20th

social landlords, in its first phase, over 5000 homes in its second

phase on energy efficiency, and is funded partly by European structural

funds. A great example of energy efficiency and a great reason for

Wales to stay within the EU and the UK, as well. I must say, there's a

very interesting proposal from the honourable gentleman. I clearly

should spend more time talking to my Welsh counterpart to learn from the

good work they are doing to address fuel poverty. The energy savings is

a useful website which directly with the boiler grant scheme we have in

Northern Ireland. We have a package tailored to each household. Would

she consider looking at this example and having something simple on the

mainland UK? I'm aware of the interesting boiler scheme being run

in Northern Ireland and I welcome initiatives such as that to address

the difficulty in fuel poverty and also of heat in terms of reducing

carbon emissions. The Mayor of London is also launched a similar

scheme and we'll be looking at how that works to say something we can

adopt in the UK. Number two. Thank you. My honourable friend has worked

incredibly hard to support local communities in having their say on

the siting of wind farms. DC LG updated planning guidance alongside

their written ministerial statement on the 18th of June 20 15th giving

local authorities the final say. So now that the energy Bill committee

stage has been completed with his sport, I can tell him we are making

excellent progress on delivering the Government's manifesto commitment.

I'd like to thank the Minister for that answer and she, like I, will

know that the Conservative manifesto contained two pledges on onshore

wind, to remove subsidies going forward and the other to change

planning guidance. Giving the growing concern that amplitude

application, when will there be light and coming forward to local

authorities about that? He has personally done some excellent work

researching this very serious issue and my department has commissioned

an independent review which includes many of the issues he has raised and

we expect to receive the final report shortly. The Government will

then consider how to take forward its recommendations, including

whether a planning condition might be appropriate. The Minister must be

aware that these applications for onshore wind power should be based

on merit. Isn't the real danger she is in, if you look over the last

five years, the barmy Army behind her make sure, working with their

local councils, no good proposal goes through. I think the honourable

gentleman is referring to my excellent honourable friends who are

superb constituency MPs. Nevertheless, we have to agree to

disagree. The role of an MP, as I'm sure they would agree, is to

represent the interests of his constituency as they would see them

and we had struck the right balance between the needs of the country for

superb renewables, and this is a very successful sector, but also the

needs of local communities to have their wishes and environment taken

very much into account. Prior to the 2013 energy act, Scottish ministers

had full control over their renewable obligations. This power

was removed on the understanding of the promise that there would be no

policy on medications. Why was that promise broken and will Minister

commits to back SNP calls to see returned? The honourable gentleman

is very aware that the reason we are closing the subsidy to onshore wind

a year early is in great part to avoid the additional costs to the

bill payer of extra deployment beyond our calculations of what

could be expected, so this is about trying to keep the costs of bills

down to consumers and we have had a number of debates about the issue of

fuel poverty. That balance is absolutely vital and it's in the

interest of the whole of the UK that we ensure we don't burden bill

payers with more costs. What discussions has the Minister had

with her colleagues in the devolved administrations to ensure that wind

applications made in those jurisdictions are able to be

processed effectively? Well, as the honourable lady will know, we have

very frequent conversations with ministers in the devolved

parliaments. We tried to ensure that they are absolutely included in all

of the discussions as they certainly have been with onshore wind, and

planning, as she will know, is being devolved at all levels to local

authorities, local planning authorities, and it will then be for

the Scottish Parliament to decide on exactly what is the appropriate

planning process for onshore wind in Scotland. Can we have some

consistency from the Minister? Why did she support the imposition of

fracking on communities against their will? Why can't she extend the

same courtesy to those communities that she has two the communities

affected by wind farms? Well, as he will be aware, on wind has deployed

to a great extent and in fact, beyond, it certainly at the level of

appointment we expect and anticipate to see by 2020 already, so it's

right that local communities views are taken into account whereas with

hydraulic fracturing, there's no shale gas extraction taken in place

at the moment anywhere in the UK. There are no wells, there's not even

any exploration and yet Vital energy interests we explore

this home-grown energy that could be absolutely vital to the future,

jobs, growth and energy security. Security of supply is my number one

priority. The capacity market was put in place to ensure sufficient

security of electricity supply. It supports technically reliable

existing plants to remain in the market and as coal and other things

retire, new plants will be financed and built securing energy supplies

for the future. Following the auction conducted at the end of last

year I have been considering whether any changes are needed and I hope to

be able to announce my conclusions shortly and undertake any

consultation quickly if we decide any regulatory changes are needed.

If the Secretary of State concerned with the latest capacity market

option is actually having an unintended consequence of

undermining capacity as a favour power stations are mothballed and

closed? Can the Government be certain it can maintain security of

electricity while reducing investment in solar industry? I

don't surely her views. The whole purpose of a capacity market is to

guarantee security three years out, and that is exactly what we are

delivering however, having had two capacity auctions so far, we are

going to review how we can improve on them so we make sure the third

one delivers, even more certain security going forward. I'm pleased

to hear the secretary of state is willing to look again at the way the

capacity market works in order to encourage cleaner forms of energy

rather than reliance on feels like diesel which is, sadly, was a large

beneficiary of the latest round. Can she give us any more timescale for

when those new proposals will come forward?

I thank the honourable gentleman for giving me the chance to point out

that diesel was 1.5% of the capacity market, a very small amount, but it

is essential to make sure we have no risk at all to security, which is

why the full was included. I cannot give him an exact timeline but we're

working on it intently at the moment and will come forward with the

proposal shortly. Will build it can make changes to the capacity market

so battery energy storage can be an alternative to thermal generation?

Battery storage is indeed just storage, not final consumption. I

share his enthusiasm for storage, and we are at a moment working with

Ofgem to address how we can best encourage it within a secure

regulatory environment. I cannot say whether that will be on the capacity

market, but it is a consideration we are looking at. It is with sadness

that I stand here without the Member for Sheffield Brightside and

Hillsborough in his familiar place. He was my PPS and a much loved

member of the Shadow energy team. Because of his background Harry

never let us forget that in the end energy is about people. Last month

he told the Yorkshire Post that he would be the last deep coal mine of

elected to this place. Our promise to Harry is the voice of working

people remains at the heart of the energy debate. I will miss him

enormously. The capacity market was supposed to bring forward new

investment in gas powered stations and ensure we have enough back-up

power stations in case of a power crunch. And now it failed on the

first count, and now one of the companies contracted to provide

back-up capacity, SSE, have pulled a power station out of the scheme,

throwing the government's policy into doubt. Can the Secretary of

State give the House a guarantee that no other power stations will

pull out? Before I answer that, may I join the honourable lady in

sharing condolences from the side of the House, for the sad loss of

Harry, her friend and able member. We're looking at the capacity market

to make sure it delivers the mix of sources we are looking at. As

fathers losing old power stations are concerned, she is aware, these

are very old power stations and it is not surprising that some of them

are closing. And our plans for capacity and in discussions ensuring

we have security, we always planned to a certain amount of closures, so

we do not feel it is a threat amount of closures, so we do not feel it is

our collective security of supply, but we will never be complacent and

always make sure we have a secure supply. It is not the answer to the

question I asked her. Now new gas stations, onstream since the Prime

Minister took office. Hinckly has been delayed yet again, and lists

recently said renewable investment is about to fall off a cliff. I ask

again, can the Secretary of State confirm that no other power stations

will pull of this scheme. I do not recognise the picture she portrays.

I would also say that it is a bit rich for Labour to point this out

when they have no record of planning for the future. We are the

government delivering the first nuclear power station, we are the

government taking the difficult choices for the next ten to 15

years, and I would remind her that Carrington close cycle is going to

start this year. We will also be looking at the capacity market

again, to ensure it delivers no gas. -- more gas. Energy storage was

identified in 2012 is one of the eight great technologies we're the

UK can lead the world. I, very keen supporter. We're looking at what

more we can do in addition to the millions spent on the certain

development. We will be shortly publishing a call for evidence. I

hope the honourable gentleman will put his thoughts the for evidence.

Could I be more specific, as a spin off from developing battery driven

cars, domestic battery storage is becoming practical and viable, and

indeed in America it is taking. What is the government doing specifically

to promote the adoption of domestic battery storage in homes? In terms

of energy storage at grade level, power generation level, this is

something that we're having a for evidence on very shortly to make

sure we give as much scope to battery storage. People are starting

to look at those systems and as part of the improvement of House building

performance, builders are required to look at other opportunities such

as battery storage, solar panels and the like, so there will be more work

on that, but the honourable gentleman will appreciate it is

still at a very early stage as things stand. The energy storage

industry sees 2016 as a breakthrough year with many emerging technologies

coming into the mainstream. With the Minister concede that current

subsidy cuts to renewables are lacking the foresight needed, if we

are to promote a genuinely green future? I certainly would not. Since

2010 there has been ?52 billion invested in renewables. The pipeline

is enormous. There are lots of new projects coming over the next five

to ten years, so it is not true to say that support for renewables is

in any sense dropping off a cliff. The advantage of energy storage will

be to deal with the intermittent nature of renewables, so it should

be a win-win for the UK. Our priorities are to decarbonise at the

lowest price while always ensuring energy security. That is why we have

taken steps to end new subsidies for onshore wind. After my right

honourable friend's announcement, it was interesting to hear companies

almost immediately seeking a subsidy free CFT, which are now it is that

the industry can stand on its own two feet was correct. We're calling

it a market stabilising CFT, and we are listening to industry on how

this can be delivered. -- CFD. There has been seriously damaged investor

confidence with onshore wind, which is vitally important of the fragile

economy of my constituency. Government needs to restore that

confidence quickly. The Minister could start today by announcing a

date for the introduction of subsidy free contract for difference. My

will should not do that? As I said to him, we are looking at it. It is

not something you would just introduce on the back of a fag

packet, it requires careful consultation and consideration. He

will appreciate a subsidy free CFD is not cost free or risk free to the

bill consumer, and we are determined to ensure that we keep down the

costs for consumers in his constituency, as well as across the

UK. Will she recognise that when she comes to introduce a subsidy free

contract for difference, it will only be subsidy free if the price

reflects the value of their electricity. The value of the

electricity depends on the time it is produced, where it is produced

and how reliably it is produced. So variable renewable electricity is

worth much less than regular supplies from ordinary power

stations. He points out correctly that there are limitations of

intermittent renewable energies, so there are costs associated with

energy security when you become overreliant on it. In terms of the

subsidy free CFD, he is right that you have to take into account all

the various costs. We're looking at it closely. I am not making any

promises, but we are looking carefully at this proposition. Can I

request that we bring forward subsidy free CFDs as quickly as

possible fit -- quickly as possible. What can a minister do to make sure

we get as much offshore wind at the lowest possible price? I completely

agree. The important thing was to give local communities the final

say. I also agree that we're local communities would like to see this,

it should be supported. Nevertheless, a market stabilising

CFD would not be without risk or cost to the consumer, and our

priority is to keep the cost of bills down for all energy consumers.

The solar industry is an amazing UK success story, with 99% of also a

panel installations taking place since 2010. We're determined to keep

supporting this great industry, but we are mindful of the need to keep

down costs for consumers. So we have tried to find the right balance of

the feed in tariff review with the needs of the bill payer. The revised

scheme could support 200,000 brand-new solar installations

between now and 2019. A reduction in the solar feed in tariff was

probably inevitable but many of us want to see a thriving solar

industry in the UK. What assessment has been made on the impact of the

63.5% reduction on jobs and prosperity in the UK's solar

industry? I know he has big constituency interests in the

success of this industry, and I would like to reassure him our

tariff reset was built on a huge datasets admitted by industry, and

in terms of domestic rates of return, there will be nearly 5%

offered for well sited projects. The solar trade association says the new

tariffs are challenging, but solar panels still remain a great

investment for forward-thinking homeowners. The Scottish Government

has led the way, setting ambitious building standards currently

new-build home. The Glasgow Commonwealth village being does the

Minister agree that the goal going forward should even every -- should

be for every home... The problem just now is that people are in

desperate need for new homes being built. Since 2014 builders have had

to consider the use of renewables in all their designs. During the last

Parliament the energy standard for new buildings was improved by 30%.

As the Prime Minister made clear yesterday, the UK owes a great debt

to the coal industry for all it has done to keep the lights on and the

economy moving. Officials and I discuss many climate change issues

with our international counterparts, and it is clear that the UK remains

respected internationally for the ability to reduce emissions while

also growing the economy. She will be aware that the day after the UK

announced the closure programme, Germany commissioned a brand-new

lignite building and coal power station as another addition to its

fleet. Much electricity from Belgium and Spain will be imported, but in

my constituency last week, our station was reported to be closing.

My workers ask why these factors can be part of a coherent European

energy policy. What can I tell them? Can I start by expressing my

sympathies for those workers who have been impacted by the recent

announcement of the closure. In terms of different countries in the

EU making different choices of how to deliver on their targets, I would

just point out to my honourable friend that it is up to different

countries to address how they want to reduce their emissions. In

Germany they are also doing an enormous amount of solar. Too long.

The question is how we phase two out of call useful stop will should be

taking out new legislative measures to deliver on the government's

commitment? On coal, we will be consulting on it

and looking at the different methods we might or might not need and it

may be regulatory, it may be legislation. We have an open mind

how to achieve that and that consultation will be beginning

shortly. My right honourable friend will know the recent announcement of

the closure of a power station heart in my constituency and half in that

of my honourable friend the man but for Cannock. -- member. It is

situated that originally, a coal mine, and it is long gone but

originally 150 people will be made redundant although they will try and

redeployed elsewhere. Will she commit to speak to her right

honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to

actively play a role in making sure that they can be re-employed

somewhere? I thanked him for the question and we have spoken already

this week about this matter and I'm also speaking to his neighbour who

covers half of the rich elite power plant area and I will actively

engage with him and his colleagues to make sure we can do what we can

for people who have lost their jobs. Given that the timetable for the

closure of coal mines is linked to the construction and bringing online

of new nuclear power and, given that the board of EDF this month, cash

strapped company, dripping with debt, given that the board of EDF is

yet again postponed green lighting the construction, will she meet with

the board of EDF and report back urgently to the House as to what the

status of the project is? I would dispute with the honourable

gentleman the connection that he has made. The closure of coal will be

part of a consultation. It influenced by many different things

including the age of the fleet, the wholesale price being delivered and

other matters. In terms of his question on EDF, I have regular

conversations with the board and with the chief executive and I am

confident we will have good news soon. The Secretary of State in here

speech said that taking coal off the system by 2025 would only proceed if

they are confident the shift to new gas can be achieved within these

timescales. Bearing in mind that no new large gas-fired power station

has commenced building in the past six years, and the last two capacity

auctions have underwritten a building of only one power station

which will probably not get built, what plans does she had to procure

the building of new gas-fired power stations in order to ensure the

pledge actually happens? He is absolutely right, the plan is to

move from coal to gas so we can reduce our emissions and have secure

investment going forward. I'm delighted to say that Carrington

close cycle will commission next year and we have 12 additional CC

GTs commissioned and I've also stated that what we will do is have

the capacity market adapted to make sure we can deliver gas going

forward. It'll be an essential part of a low carbon mix and this

Government is making the plans and securing future energy sources for

the future. Question number eight. The Government does not intend to

introduce national electricity distribution rising as this would

weaken each network companies local accountability to its customers and

risk an overall increase in network costs across the UK. We are

currently consulting however on the level of protection provided to

consumers in the North of Scotland which amounts to an average of ?41

per household this year. I thank the Minister for that answer but can I

point out what she said just before Christmas? It's not right that

people face higher electricity costs just because of where they live. I

agree with the Minister that that should be the case. Why doesn't she

take action to introduce fairness into the outer city markets? Why are

people in the Highlands paying 2p per kilowatt more than people

elsewhere? Why are people in my constituency being discriminated

against? Do the right thing and create a national market. As I've

said to him, we've had this discussion a number of times and I

do sympathise with his point but what he absolutely needs to

appreciate is that if they wear a national charge it would mean lower

charges in some areas and increases another specifically in Scotland,

1.8 million households would face higher bills while 700,000 would see

reductions. This is a very serious problem, not something you can

easily wave a magic wand and have this change. Our new domestic supply

obligation will provide support to over 200,000 homes per year from

2017 for five years by improving energy efficiency, tackling fuel

poverty and continuing to deliver on our commitment to intimate 1 million

more homes in this Parliament. I thank the Secretary of State for

that answer. Will she work with industry bodies like the sustainable

energy Association to bring forward ideas for a comprehensive strategy

to increase uptake of energy efficiency measures? I thank him for

that question and he's right that, in to form these grants, the

renewable heat incentive, we will be in gauging with industry and the

sustainable energy Association is one of those stakeholders we will

work with to make sure our reformed system delivers even better value

for the people who are really in need. We know there's a link between

colder homes and excess winter deaths and last winter 42,000 people

died completely unnecessarily as result of the cold. What work is she

doing with colleagues in the Department of Health to reduce

excess winter deaths specifically by ensuring households meet minimum

energy efficiency standards? He's absolutely right to point this out.

Any excess winter deaths is too many. We work very hard across

departments to make sure that we do what we can to help people in the

poorest homes. Health is one of the areas we work with and also

Communities and Local Government. I believe there's more we can do in

terms of potential regulation to address the cold homes and some of

the energy efficiency measures at C put in place in existing homes.

Yesterday, the park homes Justice campaign were here launching their

new Park line helpline but they were also here with age concern talking

about their warm homes campaign. They delivered a petition yesterday

to the Secretary of State. Will she get that active and proper

consideration? I did receive the petition yesterday. We have already

taken steps to help people in Park homes by ensuring that eligible for

the discount of ?140 and they can apply for eco-where appropriate but

I'm also looking for opportunities to be more helpful, to give more

support for people in need so I look carefully at the petition we have

been sent. The data communications company is an integral part of the

roll-out of the Government's smart meter programme, but it's now nine

months behind schedule and the delay is narrowing the window for the

installation of meters with a risk any additional costs could be born

by consumers. Can we please carbon impact assessment to reflect those

delays and assure the getting value for money for customers? We are

making good progress on smart meters. We have regular meetings

with the energy companies about progress and some of them are even

ahead of schedule. We will continue to monitor it, ensure that customers

get the best value from smart meters because this is an incredibly

important infrastructure project which will help reduce bills.

Question number ten, Mr Speaker. Shale gas could become a very

valuable new industry and in the strong interests of the UK to

explore with potential. However, we are determined to protect our most

valuable spaces. We have consulted on banning service level drilling in

the most precious areas. We've also regulated to set the minimum depth

of hydraulic fracturing under sensitive areas. Last month I held a

second successful fact-finding fracking meeting at a high school.

Easy for you to say. Over 400 constituents left a better informed.

What steps is she taking to encourage regulatory bodies to

furthering gauge at public meetings such as this? I'm impressed at him

managing three words beginning with the F in one question, so it's vital

for local committees to access to facts about fracking and the

stringent regulations and I thank him for organising these events. It

is very important. We are working to make sure they do it at every

opportunity and encouragement from the Department to engage with the

public so the Environment Agency, health and safety are decadent, oil

and gas authority and Public Health England already attend regularly

public meetings like the one he has mentioned and will continue to do

so. An application was made to start drilling at a little place in the

Bolsover area. The most of the villagers were against it and it was

turned down by the local tanning committee. It then went to the

inspector, the inspector local Government, because Cuadrilla wanted

to appeal. The inspector, the Government Inspector, turned it

down. Now I am told that it is possible that this Government are

quite capable of overruling the decision of its own inspector and

allow fracking. Is that correct? Can I first of all wish am happy

birthday. I'm sure all members would want to do that. I spend it on the

picket line yesterday with the doctors.

LAUGHTER CHEERING

. He is a real challenge but also a

role model for the South in the work that he does and I do genuinely

congratulate him and wish very happy birthday in terms of the appeal, he

sets out exactly what is supposed to happen. Local communities have their

say, they feed into the process, developers can then appeal, of

course they can, it's right that they should be able to, and in the

inspector turns it down. There was an appeal process. I'm not sure

about the specifics of the Casey mentions, but democracy is done and

are seen to be done and that's very important. But as localism in

action. I am clear that the only way to effectively address climate

change is through global action. Building on a global agreement the

UK was instrumental in achieving in Paris in December, all countries

need to act to bring down emissions and minimise adaptation costs in the

future. I want the future of the UK to set an example by addressing 1.2%

of the global emissions we are responsible for while, at the same

time, continuing to grow our economy. The government's own

advisers have wondered if global temperature rise is not limited,

there will be a big increase in flooding in the UK, something felt

very acutely in the Lancaster district during storm Desmond, when

a substation was flooded, we lost and a trustee for three days and

tens of thousands of homes and businesses were affected. Will she

commit to upgrading our adaptation plans including our flood defence

budgets especially those where they are defending electricity supplies?

I thank her for her question and I am of course aware of the impact of

the flooding in her constituents. I member she spoke well during the

debate with DEFRA. The best way to address climate change and the

impact, is to get a global deal and that's why we have been focused on

doing that. I will also work closely with my colleagues in DEFRA to make

sure we have a national adaptation programme in place. One thing we

have to do to meet our obligations under that international dealers

further reduce our emissions from buildings. When people buy a more

efficient car they will pay less taxation than if they bought a less

efficient model. Shouldn't the same thing applied to the taxation of

buildings? I agree with him addressing buildings is an important

part of meeting our renewable energy targets were to have set for 2020

through the EU and I'm working closely with the Department of

committees and local Government to see what action we can take to

address that the buildings is an important mart part of the mix. Mr

Barry Gardner. Surely one of the most important thing is the

Secretary of State can do to limit climate change is to publicly state

House is going to meet the shortfall in our legally binding renewable

targets for 2020. She knows beyond 2017, her own department is

projecting a 25% shortfall across heating, and it is a deep and

transport sectors. And the data released yesterday now shows the UK

to be missing its target by the widest margin of any European

country. What assessment and she made the potential finds the UK may

face as a result this failure? I can say to him I don't share his

catastrophic view of the progress that we have made. We already have

nearly 25% of our electricity coming from renewables and we believe we

may well exceed our target of 30% by 2020. In terms of the overall

renewable target, I hope he will welcome, as I do, the fact we've

already exceeded our interim target, 5.4%, and are now at 6.3%, but we

are aware we need to make more progress and we have set out clearly

that's what were going to do during this parliament in order to address

the shortfall. He will be aware that in addition to

the ten gigawatts I announced in November, there will be more,

subject to costs coming down. I will set out further information in due

course so potential bidders can start planning their beds. Although

offshore wind is an important part of the UK energy policy, so as

marine energy. Can I ask her what progress the government has made on

the Marine energy Park which was said to be situated in the

south-west? I am aware of the good work he has done this year. Plymouth

has world leading expertise at the heart of the park. I hosted with him

the confidence to take forward marine planning, and I assure him

that this will be at the forefront of energy planning. How will the

government use its new procurement guidelines to ensure that UK

contents such as UK steel is used in the development? He is absolutely

right to raise this, can I reassure him that we are having regular

meetings with DONG, to make sure it is as high as possible within their

procurement rules. I will answer this question and 16 together.

Average domestic gas prices fell by ?37 during 2015. Four major

suppliers, I need to correct myself, six major suppliers have announced a

cut in suppliers as announced this morning. The government expects all

suppliers to pass on the cuts to consumers. I have contacted all

suppliers to make this crystal clear. Will she joined me in

celebrating the work of our local councils in assisting people to save

on energy, including Oldham Council for its scheme which attracted 8700

households to sign up, each saving around ?170. In Nottingham, the

first local authority energy company, employing energy staff

hoping to get 10,000 households signed up. I will join him in

congratulation his counsel. Some individual councils are doing

exceptionally good work in groups switching and trying to help their

members and constituents. I did visit Nottingham last year to see

the good work they have in doing and I hope that more councils will

follow that lead. Does the Secretary of State think that the Competition

and Markets Authority as part of its investigation into the energy market

should introduce measures to make switching suppliers easier, as

called for by the consumer group "Which?" . It is predominantly to

address difficulties with switching and difficulty some consumers find

in engaging with the energy market that the Prime Minister reported

them to the authority. I hope they will come forward with those

suggestions. Every year the government launches an investigation

on whether family should pay more for their energy. The Chancellor

told the Telegraph that the cheaper prices should bring lower household

bills. A study was done, backed by the Prime Minister, it was reported

that energy will companies would be watched like a hawk. What happened

to that study and what action was taken? I can reassure the honourable

lady that we continue to do this, and I am pleased to see we are

continuing to see the reductions this morning. The great news for

consumers is that they were not faced with Labour's price freeze.

Promised a price freeze, in which case the reductions would not have

been given at all. Not much progress is being making because of slow

answers, and I do not like backbenchers waiting to lose out.

Number 17. A recent European Court ruling found that the reduced rate

of VAT on certain energy-saving materials was in breach of EU law.

As a result HMRC consulted on changes to the rate of VAT, and are

considering responses to the consultation. If it changes we will

consider options on how to maintain a suitable rate of return and didn't

-- for investments. Can I also member my honourable friend

birthday, and I am so pleased, he's fantastic. Can I ask the proposed

hike in VAT would... The government is keeping

the lower rate for heat pumps, boilers and power units, and the

same should surely apply to solar panels are we we have -- or we will

have situation we're fossil fuels will be charged 5% whereas

homeowners will have to pay 20%. I just want to be clear with the

honourable lady. This is not the choice of the Chancellor. This is an

EU court ruling. In the event we have two impose an increase in VAT,

we will look at investors under the tariff. Since I last spoke there has

been a dramatic fall in the oil-price. The hard-working people

the industry employs and families it supports have the back-up... We have

set out an action plan today to diversify. Could she outlined what

progress is being made to secure vital infrastructure investment in

the energy sector? Is it not the case that thinking for the long-term

and investing is the best way to get secure low-cost electricity for my

constituents. I would also like to wish happy birthday to the

honourable member. We are tackling a legacy of underinvestment. The

failure to deliver the next generation of energy projects and

the energy like all that has been left by the last government. We're

building energy and infrastructure fit for the 21st century. We have

made progress securing infrastructure investment. The UK

has enjoyed record levels and maintains an energy investment

pipeline. I understood I would comment and topical questions. I am

very sorry, thank you for calling me. Last week a report showed the UK

is the biggest investment company for funding projects, on energy,

with 70,000 jobs expected to be created as a result. Does she agree

that this is further evidence that written should stay in the European

Union? There are tremendous benefits to a united energy market, and I am

interested and excited to work on the progress with the energy union

going forward. Would she ensure that energy companies automatically

switch their customers to the cheapest tariff possible? Many

constituents at the moment find the present system confusing and

somewhat disappointing. He puts his finger on a very sensitive issue

about delivering the best for consumers, which is what the

government wants to achieve while also encouraging competition. I

would ask them to wait for the report, which I hope will address

this, and then we will make some progress. Prime ministers questions

on the 27th of January, he said I am determined we build a bridge to

future for all those in oil and gas. Yet following his visit to Aberdeen

it was clear that that bridge will be built on the cheap. Industry

needs meaningful support in the forthcoming budget so can we have

less talk about the broad shoulders of the UK and can we have the

Secretary of State boot her back into delivering the changes we need?

-- put her back. He's being a little churlish, the broad shoulders of the

United Kingdom are putting into the north-east to ensure their jobs and

skills are secured, and I am working across departments to ensure that

the skills are preserved and we will ensure we have a work force task

force to take it forward. I hope he would welcome the ?250 million put

into Aberdeen for the deal. Would she look at how the current system

model including the national infrastructure commission, National

Grid and Ofgem could be reformed to make it more flexible and

independent, part of an intra- chuck -- infrastructure fit for the 21st

century. He will be aware that the National Grid has played a pivotal

role in keeping the energy market coming, but as the system changes we

need to make sure it is as productive, secure and cost

effective as possible. There is a strong case for greater independence

for a system operator to allow it to make necessary changes and we will

work alongside national infrastructure commission to

consider how best to reform the current model. As Valentine's Day is

approaching, will the Secretary of State support they show the love

campaign and encourage all members to wear a green hearts, which

symbolise how much of what we love is affected by climate change. It is

always good to welcome Valentine's Day. Perhaps he could give one to

the birthday boy. I have dozens of constituents who are employed in the

solar power industry. Can I add my voice to my honourable friend for

Cheltenham in asking the ministerial team to continue to assess and

analyse what effect the changes to solar subsidies is having on small

businesses and SMEs in the solar industry? This solar industry is a

great UK success story, we are set great UK success story, we are set

to massively succeed our targets for solar, and with a revised tariff, we

expect to see up to 220,000 brand-new solar installations

between now and 2019, which will give a rate of return of nearly 5%

to well sited installations. Report was recently published on the

prospects of the oil and gas sector in 2016, which highlighted 67% of

oil and gas representatives... Can the Secretary of State tell me what

fiscal support is being considered for the oil and gas industry ahead

of the budget? He will be aware that fiscal changes are the

responsibility of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I can reassure

him that we take very seriously the support we want to give to the UK

continental shelf and to all the jobs around it. Chairing the cross

ministerial group, we also have a member from the Treasury in that

group. The new Anglia local enterprise partnership's oil and gas

task force has developed measures to support businesses and workers at

this difficult time. Will the Secretary of State consider a

proposal for the government to match the local funding they are

providing? I hesitate to agree to any financial commitments in this

chamber but I am always interested in looking at proposals -- in

looking at the portals for my honourable friend. Can she tell me

what progress she is making with regard to getting state aid consent

for the strike price for island communities and offshore wind

projects. We absolutely appreciate that industry across technologies

need clarity on government policies and future allocation rains so they

can manage the decisions. We are currently working with HMT to

finalise the budget for future auctions and we will set out more

information as soon as we can. Can I thank her for her response about the

Humber Estuary on Tuesday evening. It was robust and informative. Can I

draw her attention to a statement issued to the local media by DONG

energy, which is noncommittal. Can she reaffirm her determination to be

involved in the future developments in northern Lincolnshire?

I would like to pay tribute to my rate on boyfriend for his support to

that area. I can assure him there will be no wriggle room. -- my right

honourable friend. We will support offshore wind and we will absolutely

required UK content and for the UK supply chain to be a beneficiary of

it. What plans the Sea sector of state

have to allow large-scale solar generators to apply for a contract

under the difference mechanism? They do not have time to the moment

for a large scale solar contract, what we have found is that

large-scale ground mounted solar have confirmed to us that they do

not need any subsidy and they can continue subject to planning

permission because the cost has for them to such a great degree that

they can continue to develop and supply electricity without a formal

contract, surely any better interests of the taxpayer and the

bill payer if it can be achieved. Given Cheshire has a centre of

excellence in relation to nuclear industry, what steps have the

government taken to ensure funding for new nuclear centres and to

ensure universities in the North of England continue to be prosperous?

You may be aware that in the recent Spending Review one area in which he

got an increase was in innovation and specifically we have allocated

half of the new increased a small modular reactors, that is an area we

are working on a terms of universities and with In the UK and

we will continue to work on that. Scrapping the government's support

for carbon tax -- carbon capture and storage technology makes it more

expensive to do so and we have fostered on around ?250 million

worth of EU investment, canny minister just explain how this makes

sense? I can tell the honourable lady that

our view is that TCS has a potentially important role in

long-term decarbonisation. We continue to invest in the

development of PCS, investing over ?130 million to develop that

technology through innovation support and my department is

currently looking at what our new policy is to develop this very

important technology. Mr Speaker, political network losses

from theft and so-called Copper bosses are estimated at the

Department in excess of ?3 billion at the cost to consumers. What

recent analysis as the department undertaken into the potential

contribution of technology to address this issue?

I can tell the honourable gentleman that this is an area that personal

interest me a great deal. It is a complete disaster if we find that

pipeline tapping, effectively stealing product away from consumers

that then has to be paid for, it is absolutely vital and we are looking

at it. I am not familiar with that proposal he has mentioned but if he

writes to me I will be happy to take a look at it.

Historically, all mining has been prohibited under the City of York

Council the City of York Council passed a motion to say that no like

this is should be given for fracking and yet a licence has been given.

What guarantee will the Minister give that the local voice now will

determine what happens? I am grateful to the honourable lady

to give me a chance to explain that the license is not a licence to

frack, a Becky James bond like! It is simply a licence to be able to

consider the seismic opportunity of the shale gas that is underneath

potentially. It is absolutely not a guarantee that anything will happen

at all. There is then a whole planning process to go through,

including environmental assessments, health and safety assessment and so

on, and there is a clear planning process that is very well

communicated that she will be very familiar with.

Mr Speaker, this morning energy experts are suggesting and reporting

that the target emission levels set at the recent summit are way behind,

this is only because of an agreement, an important agreement in

Paris. How can this be the case? The honourable gentleman may be

aware that the agreement in Paris called for a reduction, a limit to

the amount of increase in climate by a maximum of 2 degrees but the

voluntary contributions from each country only reached 2.7. It comes

as no surprise. Everyone who signed up to that agreement is aware of it

and let us celebrate the fact that 200 countries did sign up to it, but

there is more work to be done. It is not the end of the journey, or the

start. Sorry to disappoint remaining

colleagues, we must now move on to urgent questions. Chris Bryant.

Mr Speaker, or the reader of the House met a statement on short money

and the policy development grant? Constitutional Reform Minister. Mr

Speaker, as the Shadow Leader of the House of Lords, the electoral

commission has been undertaking changes to the policy development

grant and they have been in discussions about parallel changes

to short money, which includes the parties as well. I can confirm that

we plan to initiate further conversations on short money

shortly. There will be time and opportunity for Jews to be expressed

on all sides of the House and I am sure if the Shadow Leader runs true

to form he will use these opportunities well. I am acquired

under the