Key players underline importance of Energy Efficiency

KEY PLAYERS UNDERLINE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY · Key players meet to discuss Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) · EEC could mean a saving of £100 a year to some customers · At least 50 per cent of efficiency measures to be targeted at vulnerable customers A summit held yesterday (Thursday) brought together key players in Government, industry and energy regulator Ofgem to discuss the important role that gas and electricity companies have to play in meeting the government's energy efficiency targets. The meeting, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and attended by Energy Minister Brian Wilson, Environment Minister Michael Meacher, Ofgem Chief Executive Callum McCarthy and Energy Saving Trust Chairman Peter Lehmann, discussed how they could work together to secure a step change in household energy efficiency. They focused on the new Energy Efficiency Commitment and the impact it could have on social and environmental goals. Set by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and administered by Ofgem, the EEC requires gas and electricity companies to improve the energy efficiency of customers' homes by installing energy efficient measures. Callum McCarthy said: "Ofgem welcomes the contribution that energy companies are making, through the EEC, to the Government's Fuel Poverty Strategy and Climate Change Programme. "The EEC could save some customers more than £100 a year, with 50 per cent of the energy savings being directed to customers who might have difficulty heating their homes in winter. Ofgem applauds the seriousness with which the companies are taking their commitment and innovative zeal. We would like to see this continue." Environment Minister, Michael Meacher said: "By incentivising energy suppliers to provide heat, light and power as cost effectively as possible, the Energy Efficiency Commitment, will help those least able to meet their fuel bills to keep warm - and help customers to reduce their fuel bills. At the same time it will help to protect the environment - and demonstrate the green credentials of your company." Energy Minister Brian Wilson said: "Energy Efficiency is one of my highest priorities and will play a key part in securing our future policies on energy and the environment. We can make a real difference in this area which is why I want to see more company initiatives that include energy efficiency being given a higher profile." Energy Saving Trust Chairman Peter Lehmann said: ' I urge the energy suppliers to put energy efficiency at the heart of their marketing strategy. They have a great track record - so far for every £1 they've invested, they've created more than £4 in benefits in lower bills and more comfortable homes for their customers. We should all realise that the Energy Efficiency Commitment is going to be around for the very long term, if we're to meet the Energy Review targets of a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2010, and again by 2020. ' ends Notes to editors: 1.Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets, regulating the gas and electricity industries in Great Britain. Its aim is to bring choice and value to all gas and electricity customers by promoting competition and regulating monopolies. 2. Ofgem operates under the direction and governance of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority which sets all major decisions and policy priorities. Its powers are provided for under the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989 and the Utilities Act 2000. It also has powers under the Competition Act 1998. 3. Energy efficient measures can include: cavity wall insulation, efficient heating devices, energy efficient lightbulbs, energy efficient appliances, loft insulation and other innovative measures to reduce customers fuel consumption. For further information: Margot Marshall Energy Saving Trust Ph: 0207 654 2408, 0771 470 8416 For Ofgem press office contact: Richard Hunt on 020 7901 7158 Mark Stockwell on 020 7901 7484 Danny Wilkinson on 020 7901 7022 Out of hours contact: 0781 8457 969 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/04/18/20020418BIT01370/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/04/18/20020418BIT01370/wkr0002.pdf