Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (2008-11)

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Hilary Benn)
On 23 May 2007, Government published its consultation on the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT), previously referred to as EEC 3. In that consultation the Government proposed to impose the CERT mechanism to 2011 at around double the level of activity of the current EEC 2005-08. It proposed to extend its scope to include, in addition to energy efficiency measures, microgeneration and other measures for reducing the consumption of supplied energy. It proposed to introduce new approaches for innovation and flexibility and to maintain a focus on low-income consumers.

Following this consultation the Government have been taking account of the responses received, alongside further analysis, to finalise the framework for the CERT. Our intention remains to double the level of activity required by energy suppliers in order to deliver overall lifetime carbon dioxide savings of about 154 MtCO2, equivalent to annual net savings of 4.2 MtCO2 by 2010.

A CERT of this level will deliver significant energy saving benefits to householders, with about 8 million householders likely to benefit directly. The CERT will also offer new support for a wide range of innovation with particular incentive for microgeneration activity, potentially supporting about £200 million worth of activity.

We intend to announce further details and lay the relevant Statutory Instrument before Parliament shortly.