Overview

The Electricity Supply (Vulnerable Customers) Bill aims to improve the safety and support provided to vulnerable electricity customers in England, Wales, and Scotland. It mandates free electrical safety checks, establishes a fund to fix dangerous faults, and ensures vulnerable customers are informed about available support services.

Description

This bill directs Ofgem (the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority) to make several key changes within six months of its passing. These changes include:

• Free Electrical Safety Checks: Electricity suppliers must provide free electrical installation checks by registered professionals to any customer on their Priority Services Register.
• Identification and Information of Vulnerable Customers: Suppliers must proactively identify and inform vulnerable customers not yet on the Priority Services Register about their eligibility and the benefits of registering.
• Fund for Rectifying Faults: Ofgem must create a fund to rectify dangerous electrical faults discovered during these checks. The bill allows for regulations to determine how the fund will be financed (potentially through contributions from electricity suppliers or other entities) and managed.
• Informing Customers about the Priority Services Register: The Secretary of State will introduce regulations to ensure energy companies inform vulnerable customers about the Priority Services Register and its benefits.

All regulations under this bill require approval by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill will likely lead to increased government spending due to the establishment and operation of the fund for rectifying dangerous electrical faults. The exact amount is not specified in the bill itself and will depend on the future regulations defining the fund’s operation and contributions.

Groups Affected

• Vulnerable Customers: This bill directly benefits vulnerable customers by providing free safety checks and access to funding for repairs. It also aims to improve their awareness of available support services.
• Electricity Suppliers: Suppliers will incur costs associated with providing free checks, contributing to the rectification fund (potentially), and informing vulnerable customers.
• Ofgem: Ofgem will have increased responsibilities in overseeing the implementation of the bill, including establishing and regulating the fund.
• Registered Electricians: Registered electricians may see increased demand for their services due to the free safety checks.

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