Question reference: S5W-25022
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 29 August 2019 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 20 September 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what efforts it is making or can make to ensure that electric-only supplied houses are provided a broad choice of suppliers.
Answer
Consumer fairness is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We continue to call on the UK Government for an equitable energy market that serves all consumers fairly regardless of location, circumstance or meter type.
I recently responded to Ofgem’s consultation on effective competition in the domestic retail market, highlighting that the CMA’s package of remedies has not delivered consistently for consumers in Scotland. We continue to work with Ofgem to ensure full consideration is given to how distinct characteristics of the Scottish market can impact on consumer’s ability to engage in the energy market.
In particular, Scotland has a comparatively high number of consumers using electric heating. We are committed to providing targeted support for these consumers, which is we fund Home Energy Scotland who are rolling out an enhanced advice service for electric heating consumers. This service will help users to make informed choices about which supplier is best for them.
The regulation of energy markets for electricity and gas are matters that remain reserved under the Scotland Act (1998). We are, however, committed to using our devolved consumer advocacy powers to best effect and are developing new ways to ensure Scottish consumer interests are effectively heard and acted on at the UK level. The Scottish Government’s recently published Energy Consumer Action Plan will make sure that needs and expectations of Scottish energy consumers drive change in the evolving energy market as we transition to a net zero economy.