To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to encourage fuel companies to pass on reductions in energy costs to customers. (294121)

[holding answer 20 October 2009]: The Government have asked Ofgem to report on wholesale costs and retail prices on a quarterly basis, to improve transparency. The latest of these reports was issued in August. The Government and Ofgem have made it clear that we expect to see energy suppliers reduce prices when costs allow.