In his first press statement, Hayes also pointed to his brief which is to improve the heavily criticised draft energy bill and push it into law.
He said: “I am proud to answer the prime minister’s call to assume the role of energy minister at such a crucial time both for our energy security and for tackling climate change.
“We face a major challenge to keep the lights on in the most cost-effective way. In achieving this, we must not be over-reliant on any one technology, but build a balanced low carbon mix and make the best use of Britain’s domestic energy resources and skilled workforce.
“I am keen to get on and work with businesses to secure the investment we need over the coming decade. And I look forward to working with Parliamentary colleagues to put the coalition’s forthcoming energy bill into law.”