Gas Regulation Bill wins support of MHKs in House of Keys

Will now progress to Legislative Council

The House of Keys has voted to progress urgent legislation which could stop people from getting disconnected from their gas supply to the Legislative Council.

The Council of Ministers wants powers to prevent disconnection in certain circumstances.

Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan sought support for the Gas Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House of Keys today (19 December).

It will now be considered in the Legislative Council this afternoon.

Only two members voted against the bill, Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas, and Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.

THE BILL

The Bill, which government describes as 'short and focused', came after numerous reports of disconnections in recent weeks.

Isle of Man Energy has labelled the move 'unnecessary', 'anti-competitive' and 'disappointing' and says the government has failed to collaborate to find an agreeable solution.

But mover of the bill, Minister for the Cabinet Office Kate Lord-Brennan, told gathered members that the legislation has two main intents, to require public gas suppliers to produce documentation and information to CURA, and to give Council of Ministers the power to make orders to specify circumstances where gas customers may not be disconnected for non-payment.

Several MHKs, including Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood rose to voice their concerns.

AMENDMENT

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas was particularly vocal in highlighting his concerns with the bill.

He presented an amendment to the court, which three MHKs ultimately voted in favour of.

With 19 voting against, it ultimately failed.

He had proposed changes in the long wording of the bill:

The House of Keys has now proceeded to its tabled questions. You can listen live to today's proceedings on Manx Radio AM1368, online and on smartphone apps.