Radical action is needed to deliver "greener" energy and reduce energy use in South East homes to protect the environment, says the South East England Regional Assembly.

Responding to Government's Energy White Paper consultations, the Assembly supports a dual approach with new cleaner energy targets for power companies, alongside grants and tax breaks for residents who make their homes more energy efficient.

For example, residents should be encouraged to install double-glazing, insulation or renewable energy generators such as solar panels.

The Assembly also backs Government's plans to improve power suppliers' performance - by doubling their target encourage consumers to be greener and raising the target for electricity supplied from renewable sources to 20% by 2015. If suppliers do not meet these targets they may face penalties.

After debate the Assembly accepted that new nuclear power stations, along with an increase in renewable energy use, will be required to meet future energy needs and reduce carbon emissions. However, members expressed concerns about the security of nuclear facilities and the long-term problem of dealing with radioactive waste.

Assembly Chairman Cllr Keith Mitchell CBE said:

"Ensuring we have enough energy to meet all our needs, while at the same time reducing carbon emissions, is critical to the region’s future.

"Both suppliers and consumers need to be greener to help protect our environment and Government has a key role in delivering this. By using the carrot of financial incentives and the stick of energy saving targets real progress can be made towards a brighter, cleaner future."

Contacts

Steve Baker, Assembly PR Executive - 01483 555234

Heather Bolton, Assembly Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. Government's Energy White Paper 2007 “Meeting the Energy Challenge” is available on the DTI website
2. Following the publication of the White Paper in May 2007, Government has produced a number of consultation documents including “The Future of Nuclear Power”, “The Renewables Obligation” and “The Carbon Emissions Reductions Target 2008-11”
3. The Assembly is a partnership of councils and communities in the South East region. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey.
4. The Assembly is made up of 112 members including elected councillors nominated by the region's local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
5. The Assembly has six roles:
1. Regional Planning
   preparing and delivering the South East Plan
2. Regional Housing
   the Regional Housing Board decides housing investment priorities
3. Regional Transport
   the Regional Transport Board decides transport investment priorities
4. Advocacy
   pressing the South East's interests in London and Brussels
5. Accountability
   scrutinising SEEDA's plans and impact
6. Alignment
   co-ordinating regional policies and decisions.

Our vision is for a distinctive, outward-looking, accessible region of prosperous, sustainable communities, with a high quality of life and environment.

Last updated: 27 September 2007