On the 6th of September 2023 Barry attended a session of the Energy Secuirty and Net Zero Committee, in which two panels were questioned.
The first was a collection of citizens advice bodies on energy bills: Adam Scorer (Chief Executive, National Energy Action), Gillian Cooper (Head of Energy, Citizens Advice), Simon Francis (Coordinator, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Roni Marsh (Money and Cost of Living Team Manager, South West London Law Centres).
After thanking them for their work, Barry questioned them on energy support for individuals in non-traditional living situations including such as boats or nomadic lifestyles.
The panel after this was comprised of leaders of energy companies, Chris O'Shea (Chief Executive, Centrica (British Gas)), Philippe Commaret (Managing Director, Customers, EDF), Simon Oscroft (Co-founder, So Energy) and Chris Norbury (Chief Executive E.ON).
Barry questioned them on waiting times for customer support and how they have (or have not) implemneted OfGem’s recommendations to improve service.
After Mr O’Shea warned about the risks of increasing taxes on north sea oil and gas, Barry corrected the record, pointing out that "the UK has a lowest tax take and the highest subsidy of oil and gas extraction in the world.