Overview

This Energy Bill [HL] makes various amendments to existing energy legislation in the UK. Key changes include strengthening consumer protections related to Green Deal financing, improving regulation of energy suppliers, introducing new energy efficiency requirements for landlords, and enhancing security measures around nuclear construction sites. The bill also addresses carbon capture and storage infrastructure and renewable energy generation.

Description

Green Deal Reforms:

The bill enhances consumer protections for Green Deal finance arrangements, clarifying debt recovery processes for energy suppliers and introducing provisions regarding compensatory amounts for early repayment of Green Deal loans.

Energy Supplier Regulations:

Amendments are made to increase the impartiality of Green Deal assessors and provide for the withdrawal of authorization from non-compliant bodies and participants. The bill also clarifies the actions energy suppliers must take as required by framework regulations.

Energy Efficiency Requirements:

New regulations are introduced mandating landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their domestic properties to a certain standard before letting them. This includes provisions specifying the types of improvements needed and timelines for implementation. Similar provisions are also included for Scotland.

Nuclear Site Security:

The bill expands the scope of security regulations to include nuclear construction sites and associated equipment within a specified radius of existing sites.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):

The bill introduces provisions related to the abandonment of infrastructure converted for CCS demonstration projects, offering change of use relief under certain circumstances and clarifying associated liabilities. It also adds powers for compulsory acquisition of rights over land for carbon dioxide pipelines.

Renewable Energy:

Amendments facilitate renewable energy generation by National Park authorities and the Broads Authority. The bill also introduces a renewable heat incentive scheme for Northern Ireland, with provisions for payments and information-sharing.

Other Amendments:

The bill includes miscellaneous amendments to various existing Acts, primarily related to reporting, information disclosure, and procedural matters.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly quantified. However, the introduction of new schemes like renewable heat incentives in Northern Ireland and the encouragement of Green Deal improvements will likely incur costs, while some clauses may result in cost savings or efficiencies through streamlined regulations.

Groups Affected

• Energy Suppliers: New obligations regarding debt recovery, information disclosure, and compliance with framework regulations.
• Consumers: Enhanced protection regarding Green Deal financing and clearer debt recovery processes.
• Landlords: New energy efficiency requirements for letting domestic properties, potentially increasing costs but also offering incentives.
• Green Deal Assessors and Participants: Increased scrutiny and potential sanctions for non-compliance.
• Nuclear Industry: Increased security requirements for construction sites.
• Carbon Capture and Storage Sector: Changes to abandonment liabilities and land acquisition powers impacting project feasibility and costs.
• National Park Authorities and Broads Authority: New powers for renewable energy generation.
• Northern Ireland: New renewable heat incentive scheme.

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