§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to extend the obligation on energy suppliers to deliver energy savings to their customers. [8200]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 18 October 2001]: Under the Utilities Act 2000, the Government will set an Energy Efficiency Commitment obligation for electricity and gas suppliers for the period 1 April 2002 until 31 March 2005. Under the commitment, electricity and gas suppliers will be required to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in energy efficiency. There will be a focus on helping lower income consumers, including those in receipt of income and disability benefits.
A statutory consultation document on our proposals was issued in August, and we are currently considering responses. We intend to lay the Statutory Order for the Commitment during the autumn. It will be subject to affirmative resolution in both Houses of Parliament.