Submission to the inquiry of: Energy Bills for Domestic Customers. – PO-1321- Jenny Nunn
1. Executive Summary
1.1 This submission explores the potentially harmful effects of
standing charges on vulnerable, low, or non-using energy households.
This debates the adverse argument that the removal of standing charges
would negatively impacts a higher proportion of low-income high-usage
households.
1.2 Subsequently, the discussion moves to examine the debates around
the cheaper cost of direct debit payment types, if they are moral, priced
appropriately, and non-discriminatory.
1.3 Thirdly this submission discusses the morality and logistics around
discounted bills for those living close to energy infrastructure, factoring
in existing infrastructure and considering current proposals presented in
the recent Autumn Statement.
1.4 Concluding with a discussion of remote communities and whether
they should normatively be charged more for their connection to the
national grid, considering material costs and the ethics of their living
conditions.
1.5 As an undergraduate student my finance is carefully managed, and
the decision of how much I personally can afford to heat my home
impacts my productivity and comfort.
2. What are the justifications for allowing or removing standing charges
from energy bills?
2.1 Justifying the removal of standing charges is more conceptually
normative, as standing charges are known to the British people as a
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