We are all affected by the global energy crisis, however, this is being most felt by those who are not protected by the energy price cap because they live in apartments within buildings served by heat networks.
Speaking to local people in Dolphin Square, Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, knows there are huge concerns that the heating system qualifies as commercial instead of residential, meaning those living within the building do not benefit from the energy price cap. The management at Dolphin Square share those concerns and Nickie met with them to continue building the case with Government for this to change.
Nickie is lobbying Government on this, not just for Dolphin Square, but for the thousands of properties across the Two Cities that this issue affects.
During debates in Parliament, Nickie has made the case to bring forward legislation to give Ofgem the powers to intervene when prices are significantly higher and also called for Government support to take into account the challenges of being locked into heat networks which have no price caps. Nickie hopes to have an update soon.
Following the visit, Nickie said,
"I've just been to meet the management team at Dolphin Square because they share their residents' concerns that their heating system is considered commercial, not residential and therefore is exempt from the current energy cap. I am lobbying Government to change this, not just for Dolphin Square, but for blocks across the Two Cities, and I will give you an update when I know more."
