The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill aims to promote the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, the alleviation of fuel poverty, the promotion of microgeneration and the introduction of a renewable heat obligation.
It aims to promote renewable energy sources, and make it cheaper and easier for people to generate their own energy.
In addition, the Bill will require the government to submit an annual report to parliament regarding current levels of greenhouse gas emissions and the efforts being made to reduce them.
It will also introduce targets for the take up of the microgeneration of energy.
Energy Retail Association
Combating fuel poverty requires a holistic approach from all the major players in the field, and most crucially, the government.
A coalition of effort and innovation are required to develop practical solutions to establish more efficient forms of energy supply and promote a culture of energy conservation.
Fiscal incentives have a key role to play in the development of energy efficiency measures and the rollout of microgeneration.
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Institution of Electrical Engineers
The IEE believes that rising energy demand is the real Achilles heel of current energy policy. This is particularly alarming, given the pivotal role of demand reduction in securing the key objectives of emission reductions, security of supply and the eradication of fuel poverty.
As an institution devoted to the promotion of technology, the IEE has long recognised the technological potential for energy conservation.
What is less well understood is how increasingly sophisticated technological solutions, including microgeneration and energy efficiency measures, can be best encouraged, whether in the home, in business or in the public sector.
“Ultimately, what is required is nothing short of wholesale public engagement, and a culture change in public attitudes to energy.”
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The Wise Group
The Wise Group welcomes the Bill.
An annual report on greenhouse gas emissions would be “highly beneficial.” If detailed correctly, this would help to “demonstrate the significant energy savings” made in the domestic sector as a result of the services provided by organisations such as the Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre which ensure the local delivery of national objectives.
Annual reports on the progress of the microgeneration strategy will help to disseminate the findings and promote best practice.
The Bill will build upon the work of the Community Energy Programme, which is managed jointly by the Energy Saving Trust and Carbon Trust. The Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre actively promotes the Community Energy Programme to Local Authorities and other Registered Social Landlords.
The Countryside Agency has been working with the DTI on the Community Renewables Initiative.
The Community Renewables Initiative has helped deliver 89 renewable energy developments and advance a further 260.
Community groups such as schools, farms, housing associations, visitor centres and community shops have worked together to produce their own low-carbon energy.
The benefits include providing local employment, new skills, supporting livelihoods, installing a sense of ownership of energy production so that people understand what renewable energy is about, how it works and what it achieves.
