On Wednesday, the prime minister also indicated she wants to help households that rely on heating oil for fuel. Meanwhile, ministers are drawing up plans with energy companies for a public information campaign this winter to encourage people to reduce energy use, such as by turning off appliances and turning down thermostats. The Telegraph has learned new details of Mrs Truss’ plans to increase the UK’s energy supply in the medium term. A moratorium on fracking, in place since 2019, will be lifted on Thursday, giving companies the green light to seek planning permission to drill for shale gas in the UK. The change can be implemented by a written ministerial statement to Parliament rather than full legislation, meaning the lifting of the ban will come into force quickly. On Wednesday night, a fracking industry source predicted that planning permission applications for new drilling would be submitted within weeks of the ban being lifted. Although Ms Truss said local communities should support such schemes, fracking companies would offer 25 per cent reductions on their energy bills as an incentive. The impact on energy supply could be improved if rules on zoning, environmental permits and seismic activity are relaxed. The Prime Minister will also signal support for more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, with possible changes to regulations to speed up the process. He told an SNP MP in the Commons on Wednesday: “I want to see us use more of our energy supply in the UK, including more oil and gas from the North Sea and nuclear power in Scotland. I hope I can count on the SNP’s support for this.” Ms Truss said it would “make sure people are able to pay their energy bills, while also tackling long-term supply issues to ensure we are energy resilient and never get to this position again.” .
