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Speaking out on the Energy Bill

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Now is a crucial time for the UK government to be tackling climate change. An Energy Bill is currently going through Parliament that will determine how our electricity is produced and regulated.

Over 90% of the country’s electricity is currently produced from fossil fuels. We need to see real ambition towards a low-carbon energy supply, as well as energy demand reduction, if the UK is to achieve its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, outlined in the Climate Change Act.

The Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed Churches, Church of England and Quakers in Britain have been working together to challenge the new Energy Bill in its current form. Operation Noah fully supports this call for a more sustainable and fairer energy system. Key amendments being asked for are:

  1. A commitment now to achieve decarbonisation targets across the power sector by 2030.
  2. A mechanism to enable energy efficiency incentives to be established. This needs to be funded separately from funds currently budgeted for low-carbon energy generation.
  3. Greater emphasis on demand reduction measures, in particular to people on low incomes affected by fuel poverty. In addition, a review of the Green Deal and its impact on fuel poverty. 

There is opportunity for the Energy Bill to be amended when it goes to the Report Stage at the House of Commons (Spring 2013), and also when it goes to the House of Lords. Recently, a key amendment has been put forward by Tim Yeo MP, to include a 2030 decarbonisation target in the Bill now. This was also recommended by the government's advisory Committee on Climate Change and is supported by many businesses and organisations. This would give the green light for businesses to invest now in the UK's growing green economy, create many more green jobs and help end our dependence on fossil fuels.  Please help us by writing to or meeting with your MP asking them to vote for this amendment. See the attached briefing for more information. For further ideas about what to say to your MP and holding a local event see Quakers and Green is Working.

Attachments: 
application/pdf iconDecarbonising-our-power-sector-Jan2013.pdf