Following a Written Ministerial Statement on smart metering, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:

“We welcome Government’s prudent decision to allow an additional twelve months to complete the smart meter programme. This recognises the scale of the programme and the need to prepare carefully.

In response to the House of Lords EU Sub Committee’s report No Country is an Energy Island: Security Investment for the EU's Future released today, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:

“The Committee is right to highlight the challenge of ensuring that energy policy, both here and across the EU, results in a  secure, low carbon and affordable supply of energy.

In response to the European Commission’s consultation on Environmental and Energy Aid guidelines, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:

“As with other countries, the UK needs state aid approval for our new nuclear and renewables programme. The UK Energy Bill is  progressing well through its parliamentary processes, but if we are to be able to implement the contracts for difference that it contains and that are necessary to build new and low carbon plants as well as the capacity mechanism proposals to assist in energy security, then the Commission will need to agree them.

Following Ofgem's announcement on energy efficiency schemes; Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, comments on the Committee on Climate Change report, Reducing the UK's carbon footprint and managing competiveness risks:

"Government policies already account for 9% of a typical household energy bill. As any additional costs are considered, affordability for households and competitiveness for industry must be a priority. 

Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said "We welcome Michael Fallon MP as new energy minister and wish John Hayes MP well in his new role as Minister without Portfolio.

In response to DECC's report on Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills released today, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:

"It is only fair that consumers should know what they are paying for when they pay their energy bill. Social and environmental levies, the regulator's decision on how much the maintenance and upgrading of the networks should be, and taxation, amounts now to 34%* of an average household dual fuel bill, according to the report DECC released today.

There are other costs included in the bill too such as the wholesale cost of energy, the company's operating costs and profit. Energy companies have been working hard to make their bills clearer and explain these varying costs to their customers. But an open and honest discussion is needed with consumers on what energy policy means for them. Energy security, investment and job creation are all needed but it will come with a price tag."

* Source: DECC report Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills (page 8, chart 1).

Notes to Editors

Energy UK Media Office 020 7747 2941/2946 or 07983 469 764 (out of hours).

We have launched Compare my Energy, a website that helps consumers compare how energy efficient their home is with people in their local area.

Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK comments on Ofgem's new rules for reforming the energy market for businesses

"Energy companies are committed to these business rules and have pledged to treat their customers fairly. We have been working with Ofgem, business groups and our members to ensure business customers can get the best deal from a competitive energy market and companies have made big strides in delivering improvements for their customers.

Commenting on today's Budget, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK said: 

"We congratulate the Chancellor for taking forward two major Carbon, Capture & Storage projects, and for the promotion of investment in shale gas exploration.