Written questions by Dillon.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of storage heaters on the elderly population.

Whilst dedicated analysis on the cost of storage heaters in homes occupied by the elderly has not been carried out, broader analysis by the Department(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/632038fee90e077dba7762a6/CODE-Final-Report-WHOLE-FINAL-v20.pdf) has shown that high retention storage heaters coupled with a time-of-use tariff can be one of the lowest-cost forms of electric heating, particularly for smaller properties with low heat demand such as small flats. However, their competitiveness diminishes in larger properties such as an average house, where heat pumps become the cheapest low carbon option.

What steps his Department plans to take to provide more (a) sustainable and (b) cost-effective energy options for home heating.

We are taking steps to address a range of barriers to mass deployment of heat pumps, which include improving consumer awareness, building resilient supply chains, improving affordability and growing our understanding of the potential future requirements for electricity generation and network reinforcement, and how these might be met cost effectively and practicably. Our Warm Homes Plan will also transform homes across the country by making them cleaner and cheaper to run, from installing new insulation to rolling out solar and heat pumps.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring electric vehicle owners to pay the same energy prices as people with storage heaters.

The Government is supportive of electricity suppliers offering tariffs which incentivise consumers, including electric vehicle owners, to consume energy at off peak times, as this benefits all consumers by reducing the need for additional grid capacity. The Government is working with Ofgem to ensure that tariffs, such as Economy 7 tariffs used by households with storage heaters, are priced fairly. This includes ensuring there is an appropriate price cap for Economy 7 tariffs.

Whether his Department plans to prohibit light bulbs with an energy efficiency below 45 watts; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of this ban on animals that require specific light bulbs to survive indoors.

The previous Government consulted on new minimum energy performance standards for lighting products, which would ban the most inefficient lighting products from being sold on the GB market. Officials are analysing the feedback received including, for example, evidence around the need for aquaria lighting. The Government will publish a response in due course.