Commenting on today's announcement on wind farms, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
"Wind farms are an important part of the energy mix and we support local communities having a say in where they are built. The proposal to cut bills in return for giving the go ahead to wind projects will need to be worked through and may also have a wider relevance ."
Commenting on today's announcement on new powers for Ofgem to tackle energy market abuse, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
“Energy UK and its members welcome today’s announcement on the enforcement of the EU Regulation on Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT) in the UK. Although we do not believe that market manipulation is a widespread problem in the UK energy markets, we recognise that, where malpractice is suspected, Ofgem, and other national regulators, must have the powers to investigate, and if abuse is proven, to impose proportionate penalties.
Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK comments on Which's report on Government plans to simplify energy tariffs:
“People want choice, honest and open comparison and fewer and clearer tariffs. Which?’s ideas have already been fully considered by the regulator – Ofgem – and a lot of work is being done on changing tariffs. Which?’s proposal for a single unit tariff sounds simple, but it’s not what it says on the tin! For example high energy users, like working families with children, would end up subsidising low energy users, like second home owners.
Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, comments on the Energy Bill being debated by MPs:
“Creating more jobs, building newer and greener electricity generation and getting investment in this country’s economy, is what the Energy Bill is for. As Parliament debates it this week, we want to see a measured discussion that gives confidence to the investors that this country needs.
"The UK needs a joined up, forward-thinking energy policy..." said Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, commenting on the Committee on Climate Change's new report 'Next steps on Electricity Market Reform – securing the benefits of low-carbon investment':
Following a Written Ministerial Statement on smart metering, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:
“We welcome Government’s prudent decision to allow an additional twelve months to complete the smart meter programme. This recognises the scale of the programme and the need to prepare carefully.
In response to the House of Lords EU Sub Committee’s report No Country is an Energy Island: Security Investment for the EU's Future released today, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:
“The Committee is right to highlight the challenge of ensuring that energy policy, both here and across the EU, results in a secure, low carbon and affordable supply of energy.
In response to the European Commission’s consultation on Environmental and Energy Aid guidelines, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:
“As with other countries, the UK needs state aid approval for our new nuclear and renewables programme. The UK Energy Bill is progressing well through its parliamentary processes, but if we are to be able to implement the contracts for difference that it contains and that are necessary to build new and low carbon plants as well as the capacity mechanism proposals to assist in energy security, then the Commission will need to agree them.
Following Ofgem's announcement on energy efficiency schemes; Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, comments on the Committee on Climate Change report, Reducing the UK's carbon footprint and managing competiveness risks:
"Government policies already account for 9% of a typical household energy bill. As any additional costs are considered, affordability for households and competitiveness for industry must be a priority.
Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said "We welcome Michael Fallon MP as new energy minister and wish John Hayes MP well in his new role as Minister without Portfolio.