Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Julie Kirkbride (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 9 July 2009 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Home Energy Efficiency

Question: Does the Minister agree that one of the biggest and easiest hits that we can make when it comes to our climate change ambitions is tackling domestic carbon emissions? The measures taken in the home are therefore the most important. Why does she not bang heads together, get a smart metering agreement between the various companies, and implement it as soon as possible?

Answer: I agree with the hon. Lady's proposition. About 27 per cent. of our emissions come from the domestic sector and result from the choices that we make, so that sector is very important. We have already announced a roll-out of smart meters. It is a complex programme—it needs to reach every household in the country—so it will start next year and will take 10 years. If we can speed it up, we will. It is very important, it is the way forward, and we will do it.

Secondary information