Beckett unveils energy efficiency plan

An energy efficiency strategy that could cut the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 12m tonnes and save more than £3bn in costs has been unveiled this week by Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett.

The strategy includes a range of measures, including changes to the building regulations to raise energy efficiency standards, doubling the level of Energy Efficiency Commitment activity from 2005 to 2011 and new energy service pilot schemes through which energy suppliers can offer energy efficient packages to customers.

"The Energy White Paper set out our vision to deliver the four goals of energy policy - a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050, reliable energy supplies, promotion of competitive energy markets, and ensuring homes are affordably heated. Today we are setting out how we will deliver these goals,” said Mrs Beckett. "We can and must change the way we use energy. All of us - individuals, business, public services - can make a difference by using energy more efficiently, making savings on our own fuel bills, helping the UK economy become still more competitive and improving energy security.”