Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Marland (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 November 2011.

Energy: Policy

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of reports that a new international climate change treaty is unlikely to be agreed before 2020, they will review their energy policy to ensure that the United Kingdom's competitive position is not adversely affected and energy consumers not penalised by the continuation of existing policies, especially in relation to increased reliance on wind farms to meet electricity demand.

Answer: As my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced today, Government have launched a package of measures to support those energy-intensive industries whose international competitiveness is most affected by our energy and climate change policies. This underlines our commitment to ensure that manufacturing is able to remain competitive during the shift to a low carbon economy. For domestic consumers, our analysis published with the Annual Energy Statement 2011¹ estimates that in 2020 the average household bill will be 7 per cent or £94 lower than without the Government's energy and climate change policies. DECC regularly reviews its energy policies to maximise cost effectiveness and ensure value for money. For example, we are currently consulting on the support levels for renewable electricity generation technologies—including onshore and offshore wind—as part of the renewables obligation banding review. "¹ Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/about-us/economics-social-research/3593-estimated-impacts-of-our-policies-on-energy-prices.pdf."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13644; 733 c43WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Climate change Energy Prices Renewable energy Trade competitiveness
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk