MPs in the House of Commons have recently debated the Energy Bill. The Bill itself includes the primary legislation underpinning the Green Deal, which will allow consumers to pay for environmentally-friendly improvements to their homes or businesses from the savings they make by using less gas and electricity. The Bill will also introduce new provisions to help facilitate the roll-out of smart meters and introduce new requirements on energy suppliers to make energy bills clearer.
MPs from all parties supported the Bill as it embarked upon the final part of its journey. Most of the debate focused on the Green Deal and its “pay-as-you-save” scheme for retrofitting energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses across the UK. There was no discussion of standards of insulation and energy efficiency that will be required, this will have to wait until the secondary legislation. However, a new amendment was passed to require the Government to submit proposals to Parliament on the ways to boost interest in the Green Investment Bank.
The final stage is due to complete on 4 October, after which time the Bill can receive Royal Assent. Robert Franklin comments, "The Green Deal is still scheduled to commence in October 2012, however, we still wait for the final details to be clarified to learn all of the financial implications".
Please contact us if you are thinking of introducing green technologies into your building project.
Robert Franklin - t:01234 362917 or e-mail: rjf@robinsonandhall.co.uk