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Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 1 May 2024 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question

Q3

.

Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD):

I know that you, Mr Speaker, want to join me in sending condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of our former colleague, Lord Andrew Stunell, who served with exceptional diligence and grace as MP for Hazel Grove in this House, and who passed away very suddenly on Monday.

When the BBC ends longwave radio transmission next year, that will also end access to electricity tariffs such as Total Heating Total Control, which is relied on by almost 1 million households across the United Kingdom. Switching to smart meters will not fix that for most people, not least because the roll-out programme is so far behind. Will the Prime Minister, or possibly the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, get energy companies, the regulator and customer groups together, so that we can stop passing the blame around, and find a solution that does not yet again leave people in the highlands and island behind and out in the cold?

Answer

I understand that an agreement has now been reached to ensure that radio teleswitch services will continue until June next year. Ofgem is also engaging with energy suppliers on their plans to support consumers through the transition. While households currently covered by the service should not be disadvantaged by the switch-off, energy suppliers are best placed to advise on tariffs for those who have been switched to a smart meter. However, I will ensure that the right hon. Gentleman gets a meeting with the relevant Minister, to ensure that his constituents are not left behind during the transition.

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
749 c257 
Session
2023-24
Oral question type
1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
BBC Broadcasting Energy Meters Prices Radio
Link
View this Prime Minister's question on hansard.parliament.uk