§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with the Energy Regulator on(a) two-way net metering and (b) industry charging and remuneration policy for photovoltaic installations. [91448]
§ Mr. BattleBoth issues are important in securing our objective that renewables and other forms of embedded generation can compete, in the long term, on equal terms with other forms of generation. The consultation paper "New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the 21st Century", which I published on 30 March, invited comments on the issues surrounding the connection of embedded renewable generators to the electricity system. I am grateful to all those who responded.
I am currently considering the various responses to the consultation paper which have been received and will make an announcement in due course. I will continue to discuss the issues arising with the electricity companies when I meet them. Metering is an essential component of a competitive market. The Government would like to see the full value of exported electricity being offered to consumers in order to encourage the uptake of photovoltaic installations in the UK.