Approach to energy efficiency in Northern Ireland
NIAER (Ofreg) consultation (20 pages, PDF) on future arrangements for raising funds and distributing them as financial aid to suppliers to promote energy efficiency in Northern Ireland. The paper proposes:
- that the amount of aid should be determined by reference to a target of "saving" 10 per cent of total domestic and small business electricity consumption through energy efficiency measures by 2011;
- that funding should be directed towards energy services companies that would seek to influence technology choices and other aspects of consumer behaviour (rather than merely supply energy), and towards interest-free loans for house improvements; and,
- perhaps most controversially, that new dwellings that do not "reach high standards of sustainability" (defined as "significantly above the improved standards required by the new building regulations") should be subjected to a connection charge of up to £6,000 (+VAT?), providing funds for energy efficiency programmes (in addition to the proceeds from levies on suppliers).
But the paper also notes that "a punitive or killjoy attitude to energy conservation is not likely to be effective" and that Ofreg has so far been unable to develop mechanisms to fund programmes to change consumer behaviour. Responses by Tuesday 1 November 2005.
For further information or advice please contact Franck Latrémolière.
Filed under Electricity, Ofreg.
