Oral answer to question provided on Tuesday, 19 October 2010 in the House of Lords, by Lord Marland (Conservative).

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Energy: Renewables Directive

Answer

I have been called many things, but ““sagacious”” is a new one for me; I am extremely indebted to my noble friend for calling me that. Whether we like it or not, we are legally bound by the EU renewable energy target of 15 per cent and this Government are not interested in breaking the law. Fuel poverty has increased because fuel prices went up by 80 per cent between 2004 and 2008. Yes, increasing our renewables will increase electricity bill prices by about £10 per year, but that is a small price to pay when you consider that fuel prices have gone up by 80 per cent.