Feed-in Tariffs
Debate between Jason McCartney and Lord Barker of Battle(12 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
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Gregory Barker
That is why, unlike the previous Government, we are bringing forward transformational proposals as part of our electricity market reform. We have already had one Energy Bill in this Parliament; another will be along shortly.
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)
I fully appreciate that the previous Government intended to reduce feed-in tariffs at some stage. However, what assessment does the Minister make of the effect of this announcement on small and medium-sized enterprises that have flourished in installing solar PV over the past couple of years?
Gregory Barker
They have flourished only really in the last few months. The rate of deployment doubled between September and June. We are seeing an extraordinary bubble that has grown over the past few months. Of course, these enterprises will see their order books reduced relative to the past few months, but we need to put them on a sustainable footing. A lot of people in the industry have raised such concerns privately with me. Anyone who talks to solar producers knows that they realise that there needs to be responsible and sustainable growth, not a quick burst.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Jason McCartney and Lord Barker of Battle(13 years, 2 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)
10. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the feed-in tariff payments system for electricity generated by domestic solar panels.
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Gregory Barker)
We want to drive forward deployment of decentralised renewables, and we are very pleased with the growth to date of solar photovoltaics supported by feed-in tariffs. However, we believe that the system can be improved and placed on a more secure and sustainable financial footing, which will be to the long-term benefit of consumers, industry and investors.
Jason McCartney
One of my constituents has contacted me because he has waited for up to three months for payments for electricity generated by domestic solar panels. Does the Minister agree that the public body that hands out those payments should speed them up?
Gregory Barker
I would be happy to look into that case, but obviously, the energy supplier and not Ofgem, the regulator, is responsible for dishing out those payments, which should be made quarterly. If my hon. Friend is aware of longer delays in Colne Valley—he is a doughty champion for his constituents—I will be happy to look into those specific cases on his behalf.