§ Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) guidance and (b) instruction is given to domestic energy suppliers on disconnection of vulnerable consumers from supply during the winter period; and what action is required of suppliers in terms of reconnecting vulnerable housel olds in readiness for the winter period. [160246]
330Wwas also exempted for the same reason in November 2003. The cost of the exemption for good quality CHP is estimated at £15 million per year from 2003–04, and for CMM less than £3 million from November 2003 to April 2004 (recorded as a negligible cost to the Exchequer).
(e) Renewables
From introduction of the Climate Change Levy in April 2001, there were exemptions for electricity generated by new renewables such as wind and solar energy. These exemptions are estimated to have cost the Exchequer around £20 million per year from 2001–02 onwards.
Subsidies
Information about the total value of subsidies in each year since 1990 for use in nuclear, oil, gas, electricity and renewable industries are set out in the following table.
Support provided through the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation and the Renewables Obligation are not Government subsidies.
§ Mr. TimmsThe regulation of gas and electricity supply, including any guidance or instruction to suppliers, is the responsibility of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Under their licences, suppliers are required to prepare and submit for Ofgem's approval a Code of Practice and Guidance for dealing with customers in difficulty. In their codes, suppliers are required to set out ways in which they will 331W seek to avoid the disconnection of premises occupied by customers with payment difficulties. In addition, suppliers are required, so far as possible, to avoid the disconnection of pensionable, disabled or chronically sick customers with payment difficulties between October and March. I understand that Ofgem is in discussion with suppliers about improving disconnection arrangements, particularly as they apply to vulnerable customers. These discussions will cover a range of matters affecting disconnections, including arrangements for re-connection.