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· Energy
Minister makes statement regarding the export tariff in the House
of Commons
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· Statement
acknowledges industry concern that future small-scale power
projects such as domestic rooftop solar might not be paid for the
power the put on the grid
During BEIS Oral Questions in the House of Commons today, Energy
Minister stated that power produced
from technologies such as solar PV “should not be provided to the
grid for free.”
The issue of export tariffs, which pays operators for the power
that is ‘exported’ to the grid, impacts a range of technologies
including anaerobic digestion, solar PV, and hydro. Removal of
the export tariff, as proposed in a recent Government
consultation alongside the closing of the Feed-in Tariff scheme,
has been the topic of industry concern.
Commenting on the statement, James Court, Policy and
External Affairs Director at the Renewable Energy Association
said:
““It is hugely welcome that the Energy Minister has
acknowledged the united calls from across industry and parliament
that no-one should be expected to give away electricity for
free.
“The feed-in tariff has been a stand out success, and has led
to huge cost reductions. Cancelling the export tariff though
would be a significant blow, for industry, for consumers, and for
the UK if we are to meet our climate commitments.
“The industry is moving away from direct government support,
and there are market based options for the future which we look
forward to working with government on.”
—ENDS—
Notes to editors
