Energy Bill: Lords considers Commons amendments
4 October 2011
The House of Lords considered Commons amendments to the Energy Bill on Tuesday 4 October 2011. The Bill makes provision for the new 'Green Deal' – a Government policy intended to transform the energy efficiency of British properties.
- Watch the debate on Parliament TV: Energy Bill [HL] Commons amendments
- Lords Hansard: Read a transcript of the debate
- Bills before Parliament: Energy Bill
- Marshalled List of Amendments to be Moved on Consideration of Commons Amendments as at 3 October 2011
The Bill establishes a framework to enable private firms to offer consumers energy efficiency improvements to their homes, community spaces and businesses at no upfront cost, and to recoup payments through a charge in instalments on the energy bill.
Key areas are that the Bill:
- establishes a new obligation on energy companies to help certain groups of consumers, who need extra support, with saving energy
- facilitates the roll-out of smart meters
- widens access to energy performance certificates
- makes information on energy bills clearer
- introduces measures designed to help improve energy security and to encourage low carbon generation
- grants additional powers to the Coal Authority to charge for certain services.
Further information
If the Lords disagrees with any Commons amendments, or makes alternative proposals, then the Bill is sent back to the Commons. A Bill may go back and forth between each House (‘Ping Pong’) until both Houses reach agreement.
When both Houses reach agreement on the Bill it can receive Royal Assent and pass into law.