Lords debates renewable energy obligations

• Watch live on Parliament TV
• Read the transcript in Today's Lords debates from three hours after the debate
• House of Lords Secondary Legislation and Scrutiny Committee: 24th Report

About the Draft Renewables Obligation Closure Etc. (Amendment) Order 2016

These Regulations propose that from 31 March 2016 the Renewables Obligation (RO) should be closed to solar photovoltaic generating stations where the generating capacity of the station is below or equal to 5 megawatts (MW) in size (‘small solar pv stations’).

A motion to regret has also been laid against the Regulations.

How do these draft regulations become law?

These changes to renewable energy obligations are proposed through regulations, which are a Statutory Instrument (SI). An Act will often contain a framework and statutory instruments are used to provide detail that would be too complex to include in the Act itself. They are also easier for the government to change than an Act – for example to upgrade the rate of payment each year or amend the necessary forms in the light of experience.

This Statutory Instrument is subject to the affirmative procedure, and must be debated and approved in both Houses before it can be made law. As part of this procedure, a vote may be taken on it if the House wishes; but most Statutory Instruments are approved in the House of Lords without a vote. The Commons have already approved the regulations.

Further information:

• Visiting the House of Lords - Attend Lords debates
• Work of the House of Lords - Making laws
• Follow @ukhouseof lords on Twitter
• Like House of Lords on Facebook
• Watch House Of Lords videos on YouTube
• View House of Lords images on Flickr
• Connect with members on the Lords Digital Chamber