Electricity market reform must promote clean energy
Leading electrotechnical and engineering services body ECA has called on Government to make sure our energy is taxed fairly and generation of clean electricity is stimulated through flexible arrangements.
Responding to a consultation by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), ECA identified three key reforms it says will lead to low-carbon, cost-effective and secure energy for households and businesses.
These are:
- To increase investment in green, local technologies, which will reduce consumer costs and create greater energy security
- To make the supplier landscape more flexible, which will alleviate demand on the grid
- To reduce fuel levies and connection costs on electricity generated through green technology
ECA’s Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne said:
“Today’s energy market – the system that determines how our electricity is produced, distributed, and priced – has served us well since it was last reformed in 2010. Our carbon emissions from energy generation have dropped by 70 per cent, and faster than any other G7 country.”
“But it does not suit today’s needs, which are very different compared to twelve years ago. Energy price rises, uncertainty of supply, and slow uptake of renewables are holding us back. Wholesale reform is urgently needed now: more green investment, more grid flexibility, and fewer levies on renewables will jump-start our move towards net zero electricity that works for everyone, and that everyone can afford.”
The consultation, submitted on October 10, will be used to establish a longer-term solution to the cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by rising energy prices. ECA’s response will play a crucial part in determining the outcome of the consultation, and the decisions the Government makes moving forward.
This article first appeared on the ECA news and blog site as "Electricity market reform must promote clean energy, says ECA" dated October 12 2022.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Grenfell Tower fire – eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.