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Press Release

Government told to keep the lights on for small firms

13 April 2006

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today submitted its response to the Government’s energy review consultation on future energy policy. The consultation deadline passes on Friday April 14 2006.

The Government launched the consultation in January this year and the review focuses on the range of options for supplying the country with energy over the next 30 years. These include a range of energy sources from renewables, such as wind and wave power, to traditional gas and coal.

Rising energy costs are continuing to have a negative impact on competitiveness and profitability for small businesses. This is therefore a key issue for small firms and the FSB consultation response reflects that.

John Holbrow, FSB National Environment Chairman, said:

“The FSB is concerned that the debate so far has focused on large users of energy and domestic users. We call on the Government, as it examines ways to create energy for the next 30 years, to remember that this task will be much easier if it provides advice for small firms on how to use energy more efficiently.

“Energy efficiency through energy management is critical in terms of easing costs for small firms. They need information and advice to manage their energy use. The Carbon Trust provides a large amount of good information but it is tailored to large businesses. If the Government were also to promote energy saving technologies for small businesses, the amount of energy needed for the future would be drastically reduced.

“In terms of the reliability of energy supply, the FSB would support the use of diverse energy sources including renewable energy but would as always urge the Government to balance affordability and sustainability. Security of supply should be of paramount importance.”



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Federation of Small Businesses

Federation of Small Businesses

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