Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance, South East - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy (Proposed alterations to Regional Planning Guidance, South East - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) is a regional framework which sets out a vision for the substantial increase in the efficiency of energy use and the proportion of energy supplied by renewable sources in South East England. By 2010 South East England should generate at least 5.5% of its electricity from renewable sources and by 2026 at least 16%.

Progress

Following consultation on the Secretary of State's proposed modifications between July and September 2004, the Government published the final strategy on 30 November 2004. It is available on the GOSE website.

The Secretary of State conducted a consultation on the proposed strategy between 6 May and 29 July 2003. The draft proposed changes were published in July 2004.

Taking into consideration the responses received from consultation by the full Regional Assembly meeting in autumn 2002, the strategy was amended and with the approval of the Regional Assembly, was passed to the Deputy Prime Minister for consideration on 6 May 2003. This was announced in a news release of 6 May 2003.

The Regional Assembly wrote to around 2,000 key regional interests (the consultee letter contains more detail on the process) to invite comments on the proposal. However, the views of all interested parties were sought.

The Regional Assembly formally consulted on a draft of the strategy between 24 October 2002 and 9 January 2003. A sustainability appraisal of the consultation draft was also undertaken and is available. Over 90 responses were received from regional stakeholders in that time.