HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc49-50WA
Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to bring forward policies to support smaller stand-alone renewable energy projects under the "net metering" arrangements. [HL4037]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Renewables are an important element of the Government's strategy to meet our Kyoto targets, and we are committed to taking positive steps to encourage their development. The consultation paper—New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the list Century—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—a summary of those responses was published on 30 July.

While the Government would like to see the full value of exported electricity being offered to consumers in order to encourage the uptake of smaller stand-alone renewable energy installations in the UK, there are a number of issues to be resolved concerning the valuation of the exported electricity. The Government are currently considering the various responses to the consultation paper and will make an announcement in due course.