Today’s news looks at the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report into the compatibility of shale gas with climate change targets, and the launch of National Grid’s Winter Outlook.
Shale gas is a fantastic opportunity which could create thousands of jobs across the country and a secure home grown energy source that we can rely on for decades to come.
We’ve already put measures in place to limit and monitor emissions that meet the conditions set out in this report so we can continue to tackle climate change and take advantage of the benefits this new industry could provide.
Fracking
Yesterday the CCC report stated that shale gas could make a valuable contribution to the UK’s energy mix as long as three environmental tests were met. This received coverage in a range of media, including the BBC and The Times.
Our view
We are absolutely committed to our climate change targets and have already put strong regulation in place that meet the conditions set out in this report. This will ensure that we can continue to protect the environment while we find out what exciting benefits this new industry could bring for jobs, our economy and our energy security.
Winter Outlook
This morning National Grid has launched its Winter Outlook Consultation, in which it sets out its forecasts for the energy margins this winter.
Our view
Ensuring our families and businesses have the certainty of secure energy supplies they can rely on now and in the future comes first and is non-negotiable. National Grid is predicting that this winter’s electricity margins will be similar to those forecast for last winter. Our plan worked last winter and National Grid has the tools in place to ensure it does so again this winter.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd said:
When it comes to making sure our families and businesses have the certainty of secure energy supplies they can rely on now and in the future, I’m clear that this comes first and it is not negotiable. I will take no risks with the security of our energy supply which is why we have taken prudent steps to protect supplies ahead of this winter.
Electricity distribution costs
The Press and Journal today published a reader’s letter to the editor saying that consumers in the north of Scotland pay more on their energy bills due to the high costs of distributing electricity there. This week we set out our plan to protect those consumers from these costs, which would see each household receive £41 in financial support via our Hydro Benefit Replacement Scheme and Common Obligation Tariff.
Our view
Our priority is to keep bills as low as possible for hardworking families across the United Kingdom. That’s why it’s right for us to continue to support people in Scotland who face higher energy bills simply due to the location of their home.