Overview

The Microgeneration and Local Energy Bill aims to boost energy efficiency and microgeneration (small-scale energy production) in the UK. It mandates reviews of existing strategies, introduces fiscal incentives, simplifies planning regulations for microgeneration installations, and requires greater transparency in property marketing regarding energy efficiency.

Description

This bill covers several key areas:

• Review of Microgeneration Strategy: The Secretary of State must review and potentially revise the existing microgeneration strategy within a year, consulting relevant stakeholders.
• Fiscal Strategy for Energy Efficiency: The Chancellor must publish and implement a fiscal strategy to encourage energy efficiency and microgeneration, consulting relevant stakeholders.
• Planning Permission Review: A review will assess current planning regulations regarding microgeneration installations on agricultural land, aiming to simplify the process.
• Property Marketing: Estate agents must include energy ratings and a climate change awareness notice in all property marketing materials.
• Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates: Increases in property value due to energy efficiency improvements or microgeneration installations will not affect council tax or business rates.
• Mortgages for Energy Efficiency: Banks and building societies must offer mortgage facilities for energy efficiency measures and microgeneration systems.
• Smart Meters: New domestic electricity meters must be capable of measuring both imported and exported electricity.
• Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA) Duties: GEMA's duties are expanded to include promoting energy services companies, reducing household energy consumption, and promoting local power generation.
• Licensing of Electricity Supply: Exemptions from licensing are introduced for small electricity suppliers operating local distribution networks.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, the implementation of the fiscal strategy and potential changes to planning regulations could lead to increased government expenditure, or possibly savings due to reduced energy consumption in the long term. Further analysis would be needed to provide a precise estimate.

Groups Affected

• Homeowners: Potentially benefit from easier access to financing for energy efficiency improvements and lower energy bills.
• Landowners (especially agricultural): May find it easier to install microgeneration systems.
• Estate Agents: Required to include specific energy information and notices in marketing materials.
• Banks and Building Societies: Must offer specific mortgage products.
• Microgeneration Companies: Could see increased demand for their products and services.
• Energy Suppliers: May face new obligations regarding household energy consumption and local distribution networks.
• Local Authorities: Involved in the planning review process.

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