REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has joined more than 30 MPs in calling on the Government to introduce stronger regulation and a price cap on off-grid energy – warning that households in surrounding villages are being left exposed to soaring and unfair costs.
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Chancellor, Mr Bloore and colleagues highlighted the lack of protections for the estimated 1.7million UK homes that rely on heating oil or LPG – the vast majority located in rural and semi-rural communities.
The intervention follows sharp increases in off-grid energy prices linked to global instability, with new research showing households are now paying significantly more than those connected to the mains gas grid.
Mr Bloore said: “People living in our villages are being hit hardest by rising energy costs, with far fewer protections in place.
“Right now, households off the gas grid are paying far more for their heating and unlike those on the mains grid, they have no price cap, no regulator and no real protection when prices spike. That simply isn’t fair.
“I’m backing calls for urgent action, including a proper price cap and stronger regulation, so rural communities are not left behind.”
Research cited by the MPs shows off-grid energy prices averaging around 117.6p per litre in recent weeks – approximately 93 per cent higher than the equivalent capped gas rate.
Mr Bloore said the issue is particularly pressing for residents in villages around Redditch, where many homes are not connected to the gas network and are more exposed to volatile fuel prices.
He added: “This is a real issue for families across the villages, not an abstract policy debate. Too many households are facing high and unpredictable costs with very little protection.
“But I’m also clear, this isn’t just about off-grid households. I’m continuing to push for support for people on the grid and for motorists facing high costs at the pump.
“We need a fair and comprehensive approach to energy that supports everyone.”
The letter calls for a new system of protections, including a maximum price cap on domestic heating oil and LPG, reviewed regularly in line with wholesale costs, greater transparency from suppliers, including real-time price publication and sronger regulatory oversight of the off-grid energy market
The group of MPs has requested a meeting with ministers to discuss how a price cap and improved regulation could be introduced.
