HC Deb 10 May 2001 vol 368 c266W
Mr. Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if Green Ministers have agreed on the details of a target on purchasing electricity from renewable sources. [161074]

Mr. Meacher

I am pleased to announce that the Green Ministers Committee has agreed the following target:

All departments will ensure that, by 31 March 2003, at least 5 per cent. of their electricity comes from renewable sources that are exempt from the climate change levy, or from self generation, provided this does not entail excessive cost. This will rise to at least 10 per cent. supply from such sources by 31 March 2008, but will be reviewed after 31 March 2003, to take account of market conditions following the introduction of the renewables obligation.

The review of 2003 will include consideration of increasing or bringing forward the target.