Jim Dobbin MP backs climate change action which also helps the poor

Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP is backing proposals which could cut fuel bills for many residents on low incomes, reward households which save energy and help promote renewable technologies in Heywood, Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford.

Mr Dobbin is supporting the Energy Markets Bill which would enable owners of solar panels and other renewable technologies to sell their surplus green energy to the national grid and receive a preferential price for it.

In Germany citizens are paid up to four times the market rate for their clean energy. This has led to an explosion in small scale renewable energy schemes as pay back times for the initial investment are reduced.

The Bill would also establish a ‘Citizen’s Energy Allowance’. This would guarantee a set amount of gas or electricity to every household at their energy company’s lowest tariff. The basic energy allowance would be greater for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled or long-term ill who need warmer homes to stay well. Tariffs would increase the more energy you used so that energy efficiency was rewarded with cheaper prices and excessive consumption penalised.
 
A spokesperson for National Energy Action (NEA), the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity said: “Our thanks go to Jim for supporting this Bill. Many families pay up to £2901 more for their fuel each year because they are unable to take advantage of cheaper direct debit or internet payment options. These new proposals would ensure that poor families aren’t ripped off.”

Mr Dobbin said: “Recent flooding shows the urgent need to tackle climate change. Swift action is needed to promote green energy if we are to meet our CO2 targets.

“Reducing energy consumption not only saves households money but is a crucial to reducing our carbon footprint."