CHRIS HUHNE HIGHLIGHTS “FOLLY” OF REDUCING RENEWABLES SUPPORT AHEAD OF ADBA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
| As the debate around new renewables and the cost of energy hots up, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne*, will speak on “Perspectives on renewable energies and the cost of energy” at the ADBA National Conference, Westminster, 3 December, two days before the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement [5 Dec].
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chris Huhne, said: “The Chancellor’s autumn statement is an important moment for the future of the UK’s energy policy, and the ADBA National Conference offers a timely opportunity for this important sector to debate the real interaction between the cost of renewable incentives and energy consumers. “Support for low-carbon electricity makes up just 4% of an average household bill – nowhere near a significant enough percentage to be the root cause of the sharp price rises of gas and electricity. Renewables are the best way to insulate ourselves against the long run trend of rising gas prices. It would be folly to stop diversifying away from the commodity that is causing consumers’ pain. “Anaerobic digestion has a particular role to play in supporting this diversification of supply as the only form of domestically generated renewable gas, and one of the few renewables that has the flexibility to meet our energy needs whenever they arise, and not just when the wind blows and the sun shines.” Asif Rehmanwala, Director of Wholesale, Ecotricity, who will be speaking in the same conference session, said: “We believe it is important for customers to receive electricity from renewable sources and Ecotricity’s 100% green electricity tariff – currently priced below most of the ‘Big Six’ suppliers – proves this can be done. Our renewable generation insulates us from fossil fuel prices. “It is very clear that most consumers like renewable energy. Ecotricity can see that from its recent increase in customer growth, particularly after moving to a 100% green electricity tariff and currently freezing prices until 1 January 2014.” More information on the ADBA National Conference – including the full conference programme – is available here. |
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Notes to editors *Chris Huhne, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, will be speaking at 10.15am on ‘Perspectives on renewable energies and the cost of energy followed by a Q&A session at 10.45am at the ADBA National Conference. ADBA National Conference details: The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) is holding its fifth annual ADBA National Conference 2013, AD – can we afford not to recycle phosphates?, at One Great George Street, Westminster, London. For the latest updates in the run up to and on the day of the conference please follow @adbiogas, if you are tweeting about the event please use #ADBANatCon. |
