§ 23. Mr SpearingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what requirements he will place on the supplies of gas to domestic premises under the terms of the Gas Bill to ensure the maintenance of service standards formerly established by British Gas. [26828]
§ Mr. EggarThe Gas Bill provides the legislative framework for the introduction of competition to the supply of gas to domestic consumers. In a competitive market, standards of services will be a matter for competition between suppliers. Customers will be able to choose the supplier who offers the service they require.
However, all gas suppliers will be required to provide special services to older and disabled customers. These will be the same as, and in some areas extend, the current requirements placed on British Gas. Suppliers will also be required to follow procedures to help customers who have genuine difficulties paying their bills. The proposed provisions are set out in the draft "Standard Conditions of the Gas Suppliers' Licence", published on 20 March, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.
The level and extent of British Gas's current 39 regulated service standards, which are linked to the price formula, will be considered when that formula is reviewed by Ofgas, with effect from 1997.