Ahead of the Queen’s Speech next Tuesday, Energy UK is calling for the inclusion of an energy bill to drive forward the creation of a modern, flexible, low carbon energy system which can deliver value for customers and play a crucial role in enabling the UK to meet its climate change targets.
- As post-Covid energy prices soar, the government’s energy strategy is widely anticipated. Building on previous reforms, the bill could propose an expansion of nuclear power, especially as the Ukraine conflict continues to pressure fossil fuel supplies yet further.
The largest trade association in the energy industry has highlighted the lack of any major energy legislation since 2013, during which time the sector has changed dramatically. They argue that a new bill will be required to put in place the necessary framework and powers to deliver on commitments to create a low carbon power system by 2035 and support the push towards a Net Zero economy by 2050.
The body point out that challenge must be given greater urgency as the impact of record global energy prices hits customers – underlining the need to press ahead with establishing the UK’s own energy security through expanding sources of domestic clean power along with low carbon technologies that can deliver cheaper, innovative and improved services to customers.
Energy UK believes that the new bill should focus on three key priorities, including securing low carbon investment and creating green jobs through the expansion of new and developing technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage.
They also urge stronger regulations to improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings and make them fit for the future by equipping them with smart meters, low carbon heating options and electric vehicle charging points, which would reduce overall energy costs for consumers.
Another recommendation is the creation of a low carbon governance framework so that government and regulatory bodies have the necessary powers and obligations to drive change quicker as part of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to meeting the 2050 Net Zero target.
Dhara Vyas, Energy UK’s Director of Advocacy, said: “The energy sector has undergone a huge transformation in the decade since the last energy bill and has the potential to go much further and faster towards a clean, modern and flexible system – with tangible benefits for customers, our economy and our environment.
“With record energy bills at present, resulting from unprecedented international gas prices, we must seize this opportunity to expand our own sources of domestic, clean energy along with encouraging the widespread adoption of low carbon technologies.
“This country now has a raft of ambitious targets in place and the focus must now be on delivering these. We can only do this with a bill that enables our sector to do what we need to do now and deliver on the full potential of the future energy system – so that progress isn’t being blocked by outdated legislation and regulations drawn up for a different time.
“A new energy bill should create a framework for a low carbon future. The energy industry is ready to deliver.”
