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Energy Bill

Perhaps the answer to why after all that consultation nothing has happened on microgeneration is that it is simply far too expensive and wildly uneconomic. If those who favour it want a decision immediately, I say that that decision may be no. To presume that it would be yes after all that discussion would be wrong. I agree with my noble friend that experimental schemes involving major building would make great sense, but they would take time. They would not result in decisions within 12 months, but would be a positive and constructive way forward. I hope that the Minister will continue to emphasise that we must review and get right the whole range of renewable energy policies, and that to go down one route at considerable expense, particularly if it was at the expense of other, more promising renewables, would be a great shame. I know that all of us in this Committee, given what we have said on climate change legislation elsewhere, want the same result, but we must carry with us the electorate and electricity bill-paying customers at the same time.