Written question asked by Lord Vinson (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Marland (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 June 2010.

Energy: Renewables

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will request utility companies providing electricity to show on their invoices the cost of their support for wind and other renewable forms of energy, including the Climate Change Levy and the Renewables Obligation.

Answer: The Government are committed to improving the transparency of energy bills and improving information to consumers to help them understand and control their energy costs. Currently, environmental and social programmes and subsidies, including but not limited to support for renewables, account for 8 per cent of the average domestic electricity bill and 3 per cent of the average domestic gas bill. There are currently no requirements for energy suppliers to put information on subsidies on energy bills. Ofgem has produced readily available factsheets explaining energy bills which give a breakdown of the costs that make up consumer bills. Some suppliers have chosen to include example cost breakdowns on bills to improve transparency and we would strongly encourage this.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 774; 719 c263WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Disclosure of information Costs Billing Electricity Renewable energy
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk