§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what authority the proposed Ofgem regulator has to consult on and prepare a carbon dioxide reduction plan for the industry. [117771]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Gas and Electricity Markets Authority which will be established under the Utilities Bill will have power to do anything calculated to facilitate the performance of its functions under the Electricity and Gas Acts. The Authority's primary focus under the Acts is economic regulation. The Acts will also require the Regulator to take account of guidance on social and environmental matters issued by Government. A draft of such guidance is currently the subject of consultation.
In its Plan and Budget for 2000–01, Ofgem mentioned that it would develop an Environmental Action Plan. This plan will, for example, identify any barriers to fair access for renewable generation and combined heat and power (CHP) to the electricity market as a contribution to meeting government targets for renewable and CHP production.