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11/09/2008
Brown Unveils £1bn Energy Package
Gordon Brown has unveiled a £1bn package to help struggling households to deal with rising energy costs.
Low income and pensioner households will get free loft and cavity insulation, anybody not covered by the low income criteria will be entitled to half price energy-saving measures.
The Prime Minister said: "There would be immediate help for those who need it most.
"Our objective is nothing less than a sea-change in energy efficiency and consumption, at the same time as helping the most vulnerable households this winter."
Mr Brown said the Government will be legislating to ensure that energy suppliers and electricity producers would provide £910m in funding for the measures.
Over 600,000 low income households will also have lower social tariffs by the end of the year.
The measures should see six million homes insulated and the provision for helping five million homes between now and 2011.
In the event of severe weather this winter pensioners and families with children under five will get an extra £16.50 a week.
Ministers are eager for households to take up direct debits to pay their energy bills to make savings of between £100 and £150 a year.
Trade unions have renewed their calls a windfall tax.
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Britain's biggest union, Unite, said: "It is ridiculous to believe these measures are a partial or complete solution."
Help the Aged have said the package would do little to help older people struggling to cope with this winter's bills.
Mervyn Kohler, special adviser to the charity, said: "Half-baked measures such as these are not going to address the social emergency of fuel poverty."
In response to the package Business Secretary, John Hutton, said:"In a world where prices are likely to remain high, it's time for all of us to get more energy efficient. Thanks to Government and energy companies working closely together, an extra £1 billion will be available to spend on measures that will bring a lifetime of savings."
(GK/CD)
Low income and pensioner households will get free loft and cavity insulation, anybody not covered by the low income criteria will be entitled to half price energy-saving measures.
The Prime Minister said: "There would be immediate help for those who need it most.
"Our objective is nothing less than a sea-change in energy efficiency and consumption, at the same time as helping the most vulnerable households this winter."
Mr Brown said the Government will be legislating to ensure that energy suppliers and electricity producers would provide £910m in funding for the measures.
Over 600,000 low income households will also have lower social tariffs by the end of the year.
The measures should see six million homes insulated and the provision for helping five million homes between now and 2011.
In the event of severe weather this winter pensioners and families with children under five will get an extra £16.50 a week.
Ministers are eager for households to take up direct debits to pay their energy bills to make savings of between £100 and £150 a year.
Trade unions have renewed their calls a windfall tax.
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Britain's biggest union, Unite, said: "It is ridiculous to believe these measures are a partial or complete solution."
Help the Aged have said the package would do little to help older people struggling to cope with this winter's bills.
Mervyn Kohler, special adviser to the charity, said: "Half-baked measures such as these are not going to address the social emergency of fuel poverty."
In response to the package Business Secretary, John Hutton, said:"In a world where prices are likely to remain high, it's time for all of us to get more energy efficient. Thanks to Government and energy companies working closely together, an extra £1 billion will be available to spend on measures that will bring a lifetime of savings."
(GK/CD)
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24 September 2008
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
05 January 2010
New 'Green' Boiler Incentives
A new national scheme to upgrade household heating systems could help save money on fuel bills and sustain work for the heating industry, the Government has said.
New 'Green' Boiler Incentives
A new national scheme to upgrade household heating systems could help save money on fuel bills and sustain work for the heating industry, the Government has said.
02 June 2008
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
22 February 2011
Energy Forum Marks Milestone In Efforts
Speaking at the International Energy Forum (IEF) ministerial meeting in Saudi Arabia today, UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry highlighted the importance of international efforts to stabilise the cost of energy sources.
Energy Forum Marks Milestone In Efforts
Speaking at the International Energy Forum (IEF) ministerial meeting in Saudi Arabia today, UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry highlighted the importance of international efforts to stabilise the cost of energy sources.
24 November 2003
Longer contracts could reduce energy bills, says government
Consumers could benefit from lower bills and help to combat climate change by being able to sign up to longer contracts with energy companies through a new pilot project announced today by government ministers.
Longer contracts could reduce energy bills, says government
Consumers could benefit from lower bills and help to combat climate change by being able to sign up to longer contracts with energy companies through a new pilot project announced today by government ministers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
