§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue advice to water companies as to the desirability of reducing energy consumption expended in pumping of sewage towns and the countryside prior to treatment.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe energy expended by companies in carrying out their business is a commercial matter for the individual companies concerned. However, the Department is concerned that energy is used as efficiently as possible and encourages companies to consider energy132W efficiency to reduce their consumption. Indeed, for many years my energy efficiency office has actively promoted the take-up of efficiency measures through initiatives such as the best practice programme. It offers advice and guidance on reducing energy consumption to industry, commerce and the domestic sectors. A number of publications aimed specifically at reducing energy consumption in the water industry are available from the Energy Efficiency Office and the water research centre. Some of the material from the EEO was produced in conjunction with the centre and with water companies such as South West Water.
Combined heat and power is one element of the programme that the EEO encourages wherever it is cost-effective. This is a very efficient and environmentally friendly option and is particularly suited to the water industry as it can use the sewage gas produced as a by-product from the treatment of sewage to produce electricity and useful heat. Thus the sewage itself could produce the electricity required to pump the sewage prior to and after treatment.