Energy industry welcomes renewed government commitment to energy efficiency

26 April 2004

Key members of the UK's energy industry have reiterated their commitment to working in partnership with the Government on energy efficiency, following the launch of the UK Government's Energy Efficiency Action Plan today.

Speaking on behalf of the UKBCSE, Paul Golby, Chief Executive of Powergen UK, welcomed the Government’s honest appraisal of current policies and measures designed to deliver energy efficiency.

“Powergen and other members of the Business Council are keen to continue to work with DEFRA and the DTI to ensure the Government’s programme stays on track, and that the right incentives are put in place to create a real commercial driver to invest in energy efficiency measures,” he said.

“As new schemes such as emissions trading start to take hold, it is essential that the current measures are kept under review to ensure that the Government’s policy mix is delivering energy efficiency targets.

“The recognition by the Government, within the Action Plan, of the need to keep the energy efficiency programme under review is certainly welcomed within the industry.”

Notes to Editors

1. The UKBCSE (UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy) works to advance the sustainable energy agenda in the UK, EU and internationally. It brings together the Chief Executives of all Britain’s major energy companies including RWE Innogy, Powergen UK, EDF Energy, Centrica, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, Shell UK, National Grid Transco and United Utilities.

2. Paul Golby was speaking at the DEFRA press conference to launch the Government’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan

For further information contact

David Green, Chief Executive, UKBCSE
Tel: 020 7976 4293
Mob: 07802 242487

Russell Marsh, Head of Policy, UKBCSE
Tel: 020 7976 4290
Mob: 07941 953634