Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour asked the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with energy companies regarding reducing tariffs during the COVID-19 outbreak on 30 March.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse answered the question in Parliament on 3 April, saying the Scottish government is in regular dialogue with Energy UK and individual energy companies to understand the impact of the disease on consumers. There has also been ministerial and official engagement with suppliers and Ofgem focused on the difficulties that vulnerable customers may be experiencing. Suppliers have responded by deferring payments wherever possible and taking additional steps to identify consumers at risk.
However, there has been “no substantive discussion with suppliers on energy tariffs themselves”. The Scottish Government has been made aware that suppliers are engaging with UK Ministers in BEIS on this matter.
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