§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance is available to businesses to reduce electricity consumption; and if she will make a statement. [9204]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 22 October 2001]: There are a number of measures available to assist business consumers to reduce their use of energy, including electricity. The Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme offers best practice advice and support to organisations in the private and public sectors, in turn helping them to reduce their electricity consumption.
Combined heat and power is one example of a high energy efficiency technology which almost doubles the overall efficiency of fuel utilisation and can help business reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Measures were introduced in April 2001 to help encourage investment in new combined heat and power.
An important component of the UK's Climate Change Programme is the Carbon Trust. Set up as a not-for-profit organisation by the Government and the devolved Administrations, the trust is encouraging the use of low-carbon technologies and resources in the business sector. The trust is expected to recycle approximately £100 million of climate change levy revenue over a three year period. The Carbon Trust will develop programmes to support new and emerging low-carbon technologies. It will also take on management of the Government's Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme and the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme that provides a fiscal incentive to businesses to improve energy efficiency. This scheme gives 100 per cent. first year capital allowances for companies which invest in approved energy saving equipment.