Green Energy Bill leaps hurdle

The Green Energy Bill has passed its latest legislative hurdle and is a step closer to coming into law.

The bill, promoted by Peter Ainsworth MP, aims to make it possible for citizens to produce their own sustainable heat and power.

The Bill passed its 3rd Reading and Report Stage in the House of Commons today and now goes forward to the House of Lords.

The Green Energy Bill will:

•        Define green energy to include microgeneration and specify a purpose to secure a diverse and viable long term energy supply and to alleviate fuel poverty.

•        Require the government within 12 months to publish a revised Microgeneration Strategy. The strategy will be consulted on – and the Micropower Council will be promoting a list of measures for inclusion, including a financial and fiscal strategy.

•        Review the case for allowing agricultural and non-residential microgeneration applications to be installed without planning permission;

•        Require the government by law to fulfil its long-promised commitment to allow air source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines below a certain size and noise level to be installed in or on domestic premises without planning permission;

Mr Ainsworth said: “I am delighted that this important Bill has completed its Commons stages. This brings us one step nearer to implementing practical policies to help green business and enable the public to play an active role in combating climate change.”