Overview

This bill aims to improve the safety and support provided to vulnerable electricity customers in England, Wales, and Scotland. It mandates free electrical safety checks, creates a fund to fix dangerous faults, and ensures vulnerable customers are informed about support services.

Description

The Electricity Supply (Vulnerable Customers) Bill requires Ofgem (the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority) to make several key changes:

• Free Electrical Safety Checks: Within six months, electricity suppliers must offer free electrical installation checks, performed by qualified professionals, to all customers on their Priority Services Register (a register for vulnerable customers).
• Fund for Fault Rectification: Ofgem must establish a fund to cover the cost of fixing dangerous electrical faults discovered during these checks. The bill allows Ofgem to determine how this fund is financed (e.g., contributions from suppliers) and managed.
• Improved Information Provision: Energy suppliers must actively inform vulnerable customers about the existence and benefits of the Priority Services Register. The Secretary of State will define "vulnerable customer" and the communication format through regulations.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending due to the establishment and operation of the fund for rectifying dangerous electrical faults. The exact cost is not specified in the bill and will depend on the number of faults identified and the regulations determining the fund's operation.

Groups Affected

• Vulnerable Electricity Customers: Directly benefit from free safety checks and access to the fund for fault repairs. Improved information ensures awareness of available support.
• Electricity Suppliers: Will incur costs associated with providing free checks and potentially contributing to the rectification fund. They are also responsible for identifying and informing vulnerable customers.
• Ofgem: Responsible for implementing the bill's provisions, including establishing and managing the fund and amending licence conditions.

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