MPs will question Dermot Nolan, chief executive of Ofgem on Wednesday this week (10 January) about the government’s proposed energy price cap.
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) committee will also question consumers minister, Margot James, as it continues its pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Bill.
The committee will be asking James, minister for small business, consumers and corporate responsibility, about the provisions of the Bill and how it intends to protect vulnerable users.
It has previously heard from energy companies on the likely impacts of capping prices.
Rachel Reeves, MP, chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, said: “This committee has pledged to examine thoroughly the draft legislation to ensure it can deliver on the government’s pledge to secure fairer bills for consumers.
“We’ll be using this session with the minister to explore some of the criticisms of the Bill we have heard from energy companies and to test the government’s commitment to breaking down some of the barriers that make it difficult for consumers to switch suppliers.”
Energy regulator Ofgem will have responsibility for setting the price cap.
Reeves added: “We also want to find out more from Ofgem about how it will go about setting the price cap, in line with the Bill, and how it will determine when the market is working properly again, and the cap is no longer needed.”
The committee held an evidence session with Eon, Centrica and SSE, along with representatives from small and medium-sized energy companies in late December. The first evidence based session was held earlier that month.