Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Monday, 16 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2009. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Energy: Consumption

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to encourage energy companies to curtail consumer demand for electricity.

Answer: Government place an obligation on energy suppliers to promote household energy efficiency through the carbon emission reduction target (CERT). DECC is currently consulting on increasing the CERT target by 20 per cent., which will require more activity from energy suppliers to promote energy saving measures in homes.The CERT consultation is also proposing to introduce behavioural measures into CERT which includes real time displays and home energy advice which will give householders a better understanding of how they use energy and how to reduce their energy consumption.

Secondary information