Overview

This Energy Bill [HL] makes numerous amendments to existing energy legislation, primarily focusing on improving energy efficiency in homes and promoting renewable energy sources. Key changes include provisions for energy efficiency improvements in rented properties, new regulations for green deal finance, and updated powers for government bodies to oversee related schemes.

Description

The bill significantly revises regulations surrounding energy efficiency improvements, particularly through the "green deal" scheme. Amendments clarify the recovery of costs for improvements and enhance the impartiality of assessors. It also introduces new clauses requiring landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, establishing timelines for implementation in England, Wales, and Scotland. These measures aim to meet energy efficiency standards and reduce carbon emissions.

Green Deal Amendments:

The bill modifies the existing Green Deal framework, addressing issues with debt recovery for energy suppliers, clarifying the role of energy suppliers as agents and trustees for improvements made under the scheme, and setting clearer standards for green deal assessors. It further defines the conditions under which energy suppliers can disclose information about bill payers to green deal providers, ensuring appropriate consent and data protection measures.

Landlord Obligations:

The Bill imposes new requirements on landlords of domestic properties to undertake energy efficiency upgrades if the property falls below a certain energy efficiency rating as outlined in an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). This applies separately to England & Wales, and Scotland, with differing regulatory mechanisms. Landlords are given time to meet these obligations.

Other Key Changes:

The bill introduces provisions for early repayment of green deal finance, allowing for compensatory amounts to be claimed by creditors in specific circumstances. It also allows for the delegation of scheme functions to other bodies and provides for preparatory expenditure before the framework regulations are finalized. Further, it includes amendments relating to gas processing facilities and provisions for increased security at nuclear construction sites. It adds a requirement for the Secretary of State to produce an annual report on the contribution of various schemes to carbon reduction targets, as well as allowing certain bodies to generate renewable energy.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve expenditure on administering the new regulations, supporting the green deal scheme, and potentially subsidizing energy efficiency improvements in certain situations. Further government spending may be required for implementing new renewable energy generation schemes.

Groups Affected

• Energy Suppliers: New responsibilities for debt recovery and data disclosure regarding green deal plans.
• Landlords: Obligation to improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties, potentially incurring costs.
• Tenants: Potential benefits from improved energy efficiency in their rented homes, but the cost for this will fall on landlords.
• Green Deal Providers: Changes to data access and the conditions under which they can operate.
• Consumers: Potential cost savings on energy bills through increased efficiency, depending on landlord and/or individual implementation.
• Nuclear Industry: Increased security regulations for construction sites.
• National Park Authorities and Broads Authority: New power to produce renewable energy.
• Government Agencies: Increased responsibilities for overseeing and administering various schemes.

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