§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on net metering from(a) business, (b) environmental groups and (c) others; and how he intends to enable domestic producers of renewable and clean energy to gain access to the grid. [117709]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government have received a number of representations on net metering from industry, particularly solar energy companies, environmental organisations and private individuals. Many of the issues in those representations have been debated in the House—most notably in the Standing Committee debate on Clause 30 of the Utilities Bill, held on 14 March 2000.
The Government are keen to ensure that all renewable generation, including that produced by domestic customers, is treated in an equitable fashion and receives full and fair value for energy exported to the distribution system. To this end, the DTI last year mounted an internal review of a wide range of issues associated with embedded generation and a consultation paper which set out the outcome of this review was issued in December.
Many informative and helpful responses to the consultation document were received from the renewable industry, distributors and other interested parties. A joint 478W industry-OFGEM-Government working group has now been established to take the process forward, and this will report before the end of the year. The working group represents a major opportunity to resolve a number of long-standing issues relating to the treatment of renewable and other embedded generation and to ensure access to the distribution networks on an equitable and fair basis.