Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Vinson (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Marland (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 October 2010.

Energy: Renewables Directive

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how their programme implementing the European Union Renewables Directive takes into account the existing level of fuel poverty and the likely effect on employment in British industry.

Answer: My Lords, ensuring that we deliver 15 per cent renewable energy will bring benefits to the UK. By 2020, it will reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, contribute to our future energy security and create outstanding opportunities for the UK economy, with the potential to create 500,000 jobs. There will be other impacts, which will in some cases bring higher consumer energy bills. We are committed to helping households in fuel poverty and we will continue to look at ways in which we can make further progress towards meeting our fuel poverty goals.

Secondary information