An independent review looking at ways to reduce energy costs has been launched by the government. The study will examine how the UK can keep household bills down while also meeting its climate change targets. Oxford University professor Dieter Helm, who is carrying out the work, said he would “sort out the facts from the myths about the cost of energy”. The launch comes just days after British Gas raised electricity prices by 12.5% for 3m customers. The study, which is expected to be published in October, will look at the key factors affecting bills – including energy and carbon pricing, efficiency measures and regulation. It will consider how costs can be reduced at all stages of the energy supply chain, as well as the impact of new technology on the sector.
BBC 6th Aug 2017 read more »
An academic who is a critic of the price of renewable power is to lead an independent review into the cost of energy amid concerns about rising bills. Oxford professor Dieter Helm has been chosen by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to carry out the inquiry which he said will “sort out the facts from the myths about the cost of energy”.
Sunday Times 6th Aug 2017 read more »
The Government is to launch an independent review into energy prices with an ambition of achieving the lowest household costs in Europe. The review will explore the “whole electricity supply chain” and look at how the UK can meet green targets while also keeping bills down. It will be led by expert Professor Dieter Helm who has advocated carbon taxes, but also criticised government intervention to reduce greenhouse gases. Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “We want to ensure we continue to find the opportunities to keep energy costs as low as possible, while meeting our climate change targets, as part of the industrial strategy. “The review will consider how we can take advantage of changes to our power system and new technologies to ensure clean, secure and affordable supplies over the coming decades.” The academic has criticised efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through regulation, government intervention and the promotion of renewable energy, particularly wind power. He does back establishing a carbon tax to push companies to reduce their carbon footprint, and carbon border tax, which would penalise imports from countries who have less strict regimes – though the new review is not remitted to make detailed tax recommendations. The professor said: “My review will be independent and sort out the facts from the myths about the cost of energy, and make recommendations about how to more effectively achieve the overall objectives.” The review is due to make recommendations at the end of 2017, on how to lower costs and will set out the “long term road map” for the power sector.
Independent 6th Aug 2017 read more »
Scotland on Sunday 6th Aug 2017 read more »
