Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question – answered at on 16 June 2026.
Angus MacDonald
Liberal Democrat, Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help reduce industrial energy costs.
Chris McDonald
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government recognises the pressure high energy costs place on businesses. Our Clean Power by 2030 mission will bring down Bills, reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and the risk of carbon leakage.
In the near term, we are acting through the British Industry Supercharger, increasing network charge discounts from 60% to 90% since April 2026 for energy‑intensive industries. In addition, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will cut electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 firms in key manufacturing sectors.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
A proposal for new legislation that is debated by Parliament.
