Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

Energy Bill

Key Benefits The Bill would update and strengthen the legislative framework so that it is appropriate for today's energy market and fit for the challenges the UK faces on climate change and security of supply. Strengthening the market framework to help ensure secure and affordable energy supplies; and Encouraging a diverse, secure supply of electricity while at the same time reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This would help the UK make further progress towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050 relative to 1990 levels. Offshore gas supply infrastructure - strengthening the regulatory framework to enable private sector investment in gas supply projects. This would help maintain reliable supplies of gas, given expected projections that the UK will rely on imports to meet up to 80% of demand by 2020; Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) - creating a regulatory framework to enable private sector investment in CCS projects. CCS has the potential to reduce the carbon emissions from fossil fuel power stations by up to 90%; Renewables - strengthening the Renewables Obligation to drive greater and more rapid deployment of renewables in the UK; and Nuclear waste and decommissioning financing (on a contingent basis subject to the current consultation) - If it is decided in the public interest to allow private sector investment in new nuclear power stations, the bill would create a framework that will help protect the taxpayer by requiring owners or operators of a new nuclear power station to make financial provisions to cover the full decommissioning costs and their full share of waste management costs.

Territorial Extent
United Kingdom
Theme
Economic Stability

Our objective is to create UK-wide investment frameworks for the energy sector. We are working closely with the Devolved Administrations on the responsibilities they have in the policy areas covered by the Bill.

Related Documents

'Meeting our Energy Challenge' White Paper, May 2007
'Decommissioning Offshore Energy Installations' consultation, June 2007
'Offshore natural gas storage and liquefied natural gas import facilities' consultation, November 2006
'The Future of Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy' consultation, May 2007

Existing Legislation in this area

Petroleum Acts 1987 and 1998
Gas Act 1986
Electricity Act 1989
Utilities Act 2000
Energy Act 2004
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000
Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006

Comments

If you have any comments on the Bill you can email them to:

energybillqueries@berr.gsi.gov.uk