Gareth Snell MP: written questions
327 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Energy: Data CentresDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 22 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129204More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of energy costs on the viability of the data centre industry.
Answer: The Government recognises that UK electricity prices and grid connection delays are barriers to investment. The only sustainable way to reduce electricity bills is by reducing the UK’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets, which is why industrial ener...
Answered 27 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy Supply: Industrial EstatesDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 22 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129203More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support the development of private wire networks for industrial parks to reduce transmission costs.
Answer: Network regulation and charging arrangements are a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator. The Government’s role is to ensure Ofgem has the appropriate framework to make decisions in the interests of consumers. While private wire arrangements may r...
Answered 27 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy: BusinessDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 22 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129202More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the time taken for grid connection on the ability of businesses to lower energy costs through onsite generation.
Answer: Following Ofgem’s decision to increase the threshold for generation requiring a transmission impact assessment from 1MW to 5MW in England and Wales[1], it is now quicker and cheaper for businesses customers to install onsite generation. Ofgem’s Connection...
Answered 27 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy Supply: CompetitionDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128802More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage more competition in the commercial energy supply market.
Answer: We are building on the outcomes of Ofgem’s 2024 report into the non-domestic market, and subsequent actions to improve practices: Non-domestic market review: decision | Ofgem The Government and Ofgem continuously monitor the non-domestic energy market to ...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128801More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with the Energy Ombudsman regarding the volume of business energy complaints.
Answer: The Secretary of State meets regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, where they discuss a variety of issues. Small businesses have been able to access the Energy Ombudsman since December 2024. Ofgem’s Complaints Handling Standards require energy supp...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy: Small BusinessesDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128800More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Microbusiness Protection Rules implemented by Ofgem.
Answer: Consumer protection rules are a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator. The Department continues to work closely with them to take forward the recommendations from the 2024 Non-Domestic Market Review, such as expanding access to the Energy Ombudsm...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy: PricesDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128799More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to improve transparency in the wholesale energy costs passed on to commercial tenants.
Answer: Energy re-sold to non-domestic tenants is a commercial matter between those two businesses dependent on their contract terms. Landlords in these situations have a legal duty to regularly inform their tenants of how much energy they have used and the price...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordNew Businesses: FinanceMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128798More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of security deposit requirements on the cash flow of new start-up businesses.
Answer: Security deposits are common in commercial leases. Contractual terms, such as security deposits, are a private matter to be negotiated between parties. However, we would always advise that, where possible, parties seek advice before agreeing to any terms....
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128797More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to introduce a statutory Business Energy Consumer Code.
Answer: Ofgem is the independent regulator for gas and electricity markets in Great Britain. Ofgem’s regulatory regime sets out the requirements which non-domestic energy suppliers are required to adhere to. This includes a requirement that non-domestic consumers...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordSmall Businesses: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128796More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help protect small businesses from aggressive debt recovery practices by energy suppliers.
Answer: The government’s primary focus is on ensuring energy is affordable for all businesses, and that the right protections are in place for them in the energy market. Suppliers and their representatives must follow strict rules regarding debt recovery practice...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128795More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of deemed rates being charged to businesses without fixed-term energy contracts.
Answer: Ofgem data, as of 31 March, shows that around 10–12% of businesses are on deemed contracts: Managing business energy costs in an uncertain market | Ofgem. Under Ofgem’s regulations suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure the terms of deemed con...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128794More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help prevent energy brokers from charging excessive hidden commissions to business clients.
Answer: Since 2024, Ofgem’s requirement for a contract’s principal terms to clearly display any broker fees has applied to all non-domestic consumers. However, the Government is aware that some rogue brokers continue to exploit consumers through excessive hidden ...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128793More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem regarding the regulation of the non-domestic energy market.
Answer: The Government and Ofgem continuously monitor the non-domestic energy market to ensure that good outcomes are being delivered for all consumers. Recently, the Secretary of State and Ofgem’s Interim CEO wrote to non-domestic supplires and Third-Party Inter...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEnergy: ConservationDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128792More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve the application process for energy efficiency grants.
Answer: The Department is improving the application process for energy efficiency grants by simplifying access and providing clearer guidance across schemes. Under the Government’s £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, we are streamlining delivery of the Warm Homes: Local...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: Waste Heat RecoveryDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128791More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the potential energy savings for the hospitality sector through the adoption of heat recovery systems.
Answer: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) does not hold an estimation of heat recovery potential specific to the hospitality sector, though in 2014 the Department of Energy and Climate Change published research on the potential for recoverin...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordFood and Drinks: Carbon EmissionsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128786More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support is available to the food and drink sector to transition to low-carbon refrigeration.
Answer: Improving the energy efficiency of energy‑related products is an important part of the Government’s journey to Net Zero. The Energy Technology List is a government‑backed scheme featuring around 8,000 independently verified and accredited energy‑efficient...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128785More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy in the level of availability of private sector green finance for business energy efficiency projects.
Answer: The Government recognises the importance of green finance as it is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of a low carbon economy.The British Business Bank’s Green Growth Guarantee helps increase the supply of affordable finance for businesses investing i...
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: HeatingDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128784More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help decrease the capital costs for businesses moving from gas to electric heating systems.
Answer: The government recognises that capital costs are a significant barrier for businesses looking to electrify. The government remains committed to supporting electrification for the non-domestic sector and addressing barriers to investment. Eligible business...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128783More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of effectiveness of the role of smart meters in helping businesses manage energy (a) demand and (b) costs.
Answer: Smart meters are being rolled out to small businesses across GB, with 67% of non-domestic meters upgraded by the end of 2025.Non-Domestic consumers with smart meters are expected to reduce their energy consumption by between 2.8% (electricity) and 4.5% (g...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordIndustry: Carbon Emissions and EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128782More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to increase funding for the Industrial Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency Roadmaps.
Answer: The government is providing significant funding to catalyse progress on industrial decarbonisation, including £9.4 billion in capital funding for carbon capture, usage and storage and £500 million to support hydrogen infrastructure. We are also continuing...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordSmall Businesses: Renewable EnergyDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128781More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help micro-businesses invest in onsite renewable energy generation.
Answer: The Government recognises the importance of green finance as it is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of a low carbon economy.The British Business Bank’s Green Growth Guarantee helps increase the supply of affordable finance for businesses investing i...
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordIndustrial Energy Transformation FundDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128780More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the take-up of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund.
Answer: DESNZ has assessed the adequacy of take-up of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) through the Evaluation of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (alongside the IETF Benefit Report), published on 29th of January 2026. The evaluation found...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness Premises: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128779More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support his Department is providing to businesses to improve the energy efficiency of commercial premises.
Answer: The Government is providing funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, increasing each year to 2029/30. Currently, the grant available for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps is £7500 and for air-to-air heat pumps is £2500. A one-year increase ...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordSmall Businesses: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 20 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128267More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of standing charges on the total energy costs of small businesses.
Answer: The Government recognises that standing charges can be a significant concern for some businesses. Ofgem is conducting a holistic review of how energy system costs, including network costs, should be paid for in the future, as part of its Cost Allocation a...
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBusiness: EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 20 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128266More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that energy suppliers pass on price reductions to business customers in a timely manner.
Answer: The government recognises that high electricity prices are a significant pressure on businesses and a barrier to investment and growth. The only way to bring electricity bills down sustainably is by reducing the UK’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel marke...
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament record
Published records only — not a full account of an MP’s work. How we work →