Green target failure will push up local fuel bills, says local MP

2.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2008

Green targets for the building industry which could help cut furl bills in Stockport and make a massive contribution to combating climate change must not be scrapped by the Government, says local Liberal Democrat MP, Andrew Stunell.

His plea follows the announcement of a policy u-turn by the Government, after Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, told Parliament two years ago that he would set targets for on-site generators, like small wind-turbines if they could be shown to be effective.

But despite last month's official report confirming that setting targets for micro-generators would improve confidence in the industry and push down costs for consumers, the Government's Renewable Energy Strategy now says it won't do so.

This week, Mr Stunell has written to the Minister, calling for the Government to keep its promise to introduce binding targets.

"Energy costs are zooming through the roof for every family in Stockport. Carbon emissions are getting worse each year, and yet this Labour Government is missing out on a simple step to promote sustainable energy and cut bills.

"Setting achievable targets would increase uptake of green technologies, bringing down costs for everyone.

"I am urging the Minister to take notice of his Department's own report and help reduce climate change at no cost to the public purse."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For the full text of the letter that Mr Stunell wrote to the Minister of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Malcolm Wicks MP, please contact Zoë Horwich at horwichz@parliament.uk.

2. For the joint report from BERR and the Micropower Industry, please see the following link: http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/sustainable/microgeneration/research/page38208.html