Energy
All Standard Notes
61 Documents
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 16.05.2013 | Nuclear power |
| Nuclear power appears set to retain an important role in electricity generation and reducing carbon emissions. Issues include the continued safe operation of Britain's stations, the disposal of radioactive waste and proliferation concerns. | |
| 03.05.2013 | Carbon capture and storage |
| Carbon capture and storage (CCS) generation is not yet proven on a large scale, and nor is storage long-term, despite a series of UK Government and EU initiatives aimed at incentivising its development. In March 2013 Peterhead (Aberdeenshire) and the White Rose Project (Yorkshire) were named as the two preferred bidders in the latest UK CCS Commercialisation Programme Competition. | |
| 01.05.2013 | Nuclear energy statistics |
| The UK had the first civilian nuclear power station in the world and increased its nuclear output for most of the latter half of the twentieth century. The last nuclear power station to be built in the UK started operating in 1995. Since then output has fallen as some older power stations have been decommissioned. The UK now has among the lowest share of generation from nuclear of all countries with nuclear power. Some aging nuclear power stations have had their operating life extended, but the majority are due to close over the next decade. No new nuclear capacity is due to come online until around 2020. One consequence of being a pioneer of civil nuclear power is large ongoing financial liability for decommissioning old power stations and managing nuclear waste. | |
| 12.04.2013 | Heating oil and other off-gas grid heating |
| This note sets out the regulation of the off-gas grid energy market, and possible sources of support for those who live off the gas grid and have to rely on other fuels such as heating oil or LPG to heat their homes. | |
| 22.03.2013 | Oil Prices |
| Oil prices peaked at almost $150 Dollars a barrel in July 2008 and fell sharply in the second half of 2008 as the global financial crisis hit. Prices have increased since then, despite a fairly weak global economy. Political unrest across the Middle East and the revolt in Libya contributed to further price rises in early 2011. Subsequent prices have been volatile; falling amid concerns about the world economy and going up as tension between Iran and the West increases. Some commentators have said that quantitative easing has contributed to the underlying price increases. Sustained high prices in 2011 meant the annual average price was above that seen in 2008 and the highest since 1864. The latest spot price is around $102 per barrel. This is $48 below the peak, but the weaker pound has meant that recent Sterling prices have frequently approached or exceeded their 2008 peak. The International Energy Agency's business as usual projections put the price of oil at almost $250 per barrel in 2035. | |
| 18.03.2013 | Biomass |
| This note summarises policy on biomass generation | |
| 15.03.2013 | The Green Deal |
| The Green Deal, the Government's 'flagship piece of legislation, which will deliver energy efficiency to homes and buildings across the land' went fully live on 28 January 2013. | |
| 08.03.2013 | Energy prices |
| The price of domestic gas and electricity has generally increased over the past eight years after around a decade of falling prices. The cost of heating oil has increased by a larger amount. There have been some price cuts over the past few years, but these have been smaller than the price rises. So far this autumn five of the big six energy suppliers have increases gas and electricity prices by between 6% and 11%. Domestic prices have ratcheted up as higher operating, network and environmental costs and higher supplier margins have magnified the impact of longer term increases in wholesale costs. In the medium to long term the pressures on price all appear to be upwards and the only way for most consumers to reduce the impact of increased unit costs, and even to reduce their bills, is through energy efficiency improvements. | |
| 04.03.2013 | Energy imports and exports |
| After spending most of the previous 25 years as a net exporter of energy the UK became a net importer in 2004. The gap between imports and exports has increased since 2004 and this looks set to continue to increase in the future. This, alongside higher fuel prices and increased concern over the security of energy supply has increased the attention on energy imports and exports. | |
| 22.02.2013 | Petrol and diesel prices |
| Road fuel prices have increased steadily since their recent lows in early 2009. Petrol prices reached a record monthly high in May 2010, set new records in December 2010 and in each of the following five months and broke these again in March and April 2012. Diesel prices exceeded their summer 2008 highs in January 2011 and also set new highs in each of the next four months. New records were set in February, March and April 2012. Prices fell by 10 11 pence per litre over summer, approached the earlier highs in early autumn 2012 but fell back somewhat in winter. | |
| 08.02.2013 | Carbon Price Floor |
| This note summarises the Governmnent plans to introduce a carbon price floor by April 2013 | |
| 16.01.2013 | Domestic gas and electricity prices: Social Indicators page |
| Depiction of trends in the retail prices of gas and electricity since privatisation. | |
| 03.01.2013 | Green Investment Bank |
| The Government has announced the creation of a Green Investment Bank to stimulate investment in green technologie. This note includes details of its role and its location. | |
| 17.12.2012 | Shale gas and fracking |
| On 13 December 2012 the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change announced that exploratory hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas could resume in the UK, after a temporary moratorium following small seismic tremors near Blackpool in April and May 2011. | |
| 04.12.2012 | Smart meters |
| Between now and 2019 more than 50 million new 'smart meters' will be rolled out to 30 million homes and smaller businesses in Britain. These are intended to allow consumers to see and adjust in real time what energy they are using. The Public Accounts Committee considers the challenges associated with roll-out 'huge'. | |
| 23.11.2012 | Simplifying Energy Tariffs |
| The complexity of energy tariffs makes it hard for consumers to get the best deal. In October 2012 the Prime Minister announced legislation to require energy companies to offer customers their cheapest tariff. This will be done in the Energy Bill 2012, expected before the end of November. These moves augment consultations and work that the energy regulator Ofgem has been conducting for some time now. | |
| 22.11.2012 | Help with energy bills |
| This note points towards sources of financial and practical help for constituents with domestic gas and electricity bills. It links to further sources for more information. It focuses on schemes that individuals can apply for, rather than local authorities or housing associations. | |
| 16.11.2012 | EU bibliographies: Proposed energy efficiency directive |
| 14.11.2012 | British Summer Time and the Daylight Saving Bill 2010-11 |
| This Standard Note provides an overview of the pros and cons of British Summer Time and the altering of clocks, as well as details of attempts to change clock times in the UK. It discusses the current Daylight Savings Bill 2010-11. | |
| 29.10.2012 | Underground power lines and health |
| Power lines give rise to electric and magnetic fields which fall off with distance. Burying power lines underground effectively shields the electric fields but less so the magnetic. | |
| 25.10.2012 | Winter Fuel Payments update |
| The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment to help older people meet the cost of their winter fuel bills. The 'standard' rates are £200 per eligible household where the oldest person is under 80, and £300 for households containing a person aged 80 or over. | |
| 19.10.2012 | Road fuel prices and taxes across the EU: Social Indicators article |
| Looks at trends in petrol and diesel prices in the UK and the rest of the EU. | |
| 10.10.2012 | Energy Use: Social Indicators page |
| Trends in sources of UK energy and generation | |
| 09.10.2012 | Energy complaints and the Energy Ombudsman |
| This short note outlines complaints routes against energy companies. | |
| 20.09.2012 | Deepwater and Arctic oil drilling |
| This note outlines several examples of how previously inaccessible sources of hydrocarbons are now starting to be exploited, the regulatory regimes that surround this and the increasing controversy over drilling in the Arctic. | |
| 09.08.2012 | Feed-in Tariffs |
| Feed-in Tariffs are available as an incentive for small-scale renewables. Generators are paid a tariff for the lifetime of the scheme. | |
| 09.08.2012 | The Renewables Obligation |
| An overview of the Renewables Obligation which provides financial support for large scale renewable electricity. | |
| 18.07.2012 | Antarctica: the treaty system and territorial claims |
| The unique treaty system that protects the Antarctic is constantly updated and sometimes challenged. A current Private Member's Bill would implement recent changes in the UK. | |
| 23.05.2012 | The draft Energy Bill 2012 |
| The 2012 Queen's Speech announced that "My Government will propose reform of the electricity market to deliver secure, clean and affordable electricity and ensure prices are fair'. This will be done through the latest in a line of Energy Bills, published in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny on 22 May 2012. | |
| 21.05.2012 | Energy Efficiency Schemes |
| Government measures to encourage improvements in energy efficiency are in the process of transition. The green deal is due to replace CERT, CESP and 'Warm Front', and the CRC energy efficiency scheme is under a major review. | |
| 21.05.2012 | The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme |
| The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is a mandatory carbon emissions reporting and trading scheme for large public and private sector organisations. It is currently under review and if it cannot be simplified to produce 'very significant administrative savings' for businesses, then it will be replaced by 'an alternative environmental tax' on which the Government will consult in Autumn 2012. | |
| 15.05.2012 | Major Infrastructure Planning |
| This note deals with how applications for major infrastructure projects of national importance are decided. | |
| 15.05.2012 | Renewable Heat Incentive |
| Details of the scheme introduced to support renewable heat generation | |
| 27.04.2012 | Greenhouse gas emissions: Social Indicators page |
| Trends in emissions and assessment of progress on targets | |
| 17.04.2012 | The 'conservatory tax' |
| Changes to the building regulations are currently being consulted upon. These have led to press reports of a 'conservatory tax' of up to 10% on certain home improvements, through required associated energy efficiency measures. Reports have also said that people will be forced to take out green deal loans if they cannot afford to fund these improvements. | |
| 05.04.2012 | Feed-in Tariffs: Solar PV Review |
| This note summarises details of Solar PV feed-in tariffs, including the various reviews of tariffs for solar, the latest consultation published in February 2012, and the Government's defeat in the courts. | |
| 22.02.2012 | Warm Front Scheme |
| The Warm Front scheme in England, NEST in Wales, the Energy Assistance Package in Scotland and Warm Homes in Northern Ireland are programmes generally designed to help vulnerable households, including those in fuel poverty, to benefit from energy efficiency improvements such as home heating and loft insulation measures. | |
| 03.02.2012 | The Warm Home Discount Scheme |
| The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme runs from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015 and offers a rebate on electricity bills, of £120 this year, rising to £140 in year 4. The Government expects around 2 million households to be assisted annually. The funding comes from the participating energy suppliers which they pass on to all consumers through energy bills. | |
| 25.01.2012 | Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP) |
| The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) is a three-year obligation on major energy suppliers and generators to offer free or low cost energy efficiency measures to communities in certain low income areas. It is due to end in December 2012. | |
| 25.01.2012 | Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) |
| The Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) places a five year obligation on gas and electricity suppliers to reduce carbon emissions in the household sector through energy efficiency improvements with some 40% of savings in genearally low income households. It is due to end in December 2012. | |
| 25.11.2011 | Tar sands |
| Tar sands (oil sands) have potential to provide a significant fraction of future global oil demand but there are concerns, acknowledged in an EC Fuel Quality Directive, about their environmental impact, not least on greenhouse gas emissions. | |
| 25.11.2011 | Carbon Capture and Storage: additional background |
| This note (March 2011) examines the policy and issues relating to carbon capture and storage and in particular, how it relates to coal-fired energy generation. | |
| 24.10.2011 | UK Fourth Carbon Budget |
| The Government has a deadline of 30 June 2011 to set the UK's fourth carbon budget covering 2023-2027. | |
| 13.07.2011 | Energy from waste and incineration |
| This note looks at the role of energy from waste and incineration. | |
| 21.06.2011 | EU energy policy 2010 and after |
| This note outlines the development of EU energy policy since the Coalition Government first represented the UK at negotiations. | |
| 31.05.2011 | Offshore oil and gas industry |
| The UK offshore oil and gas industry is important to the economy. The industry directly supports around 350,000 jobs and also provides around £8 billion annually to the Treasury in taxation. This note provides a summary of the state of the offshore oil and gas industries and sets out some of the key challenges for the industry. | |
| 26.04.2011 | Japanese quake: nuclear power |
| This note sets out official information from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the nuclear power plants in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, 11 March 2011, with comments about what is happening and why. | |
| 29.07.2010 | Coalition proposals for an Energy Security and Green Economy Bill |
| This note sets out the measures in the Bill alongside what was said about these areas in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat election manifestos, the formal coalition Government agreement and the March 2010 Conservative green paper Rebuilding Security: Conservative energy policy for an uncertain world. It also highlights comment on the proposals. | |
| 23.06.2010 | The phasing out of incandescent light bulbs |
| This note sets out in more detail the phasing out of traditional incandescent light bulbs and the claims that low energy light bulbs are damaging to human health and to the environment. | |
| 10.05.2010 | Boiler scrappage scheme |
| The Government's boiler scrappage scheme closed to new applicants on 26 March 2010. Some energy companies operate a similar scheme beyond that date, but constituents are advised to obtain quotes from a range of sources, including local independent boiler fitters, to ascertain which provides the best value. | |
| 02.03.2010 | Energy Bill 2009-10: Report Stage and Third Reading |
| This note summarises the House of Commons Report Stage and Third Reading proceedings of the Energy Bill (HC Bill 7 2009-10). | |
| 27.01.2010 | Turkey's energy politics |
| Turkey and its relations with its gas-rich neighbouring countries play a predominant role in the future of European energy security. Turkey hopes to use this as leverage in its aspirations to join the European Union. The array of Eurasian gas pipeline projects | |
| 25.01.2010 | Support for domestic energy users |
| This note sets out financial support available to domestic energy consumers, including grants for central heating, insulation, microgeneration equipment and social security measures. It also explains how to seek advice or information about gas and electricity problems from Consumer Direct and the Energy Ombudsman. | |
| 25.01.2010 | The cold weather |
| The period of cold weather between 15th December 2009 and 13th January 2010 | |
| 22.01.2010 | Cold Weather Payments |
| Cold Weather Payments. By Steven Kennedy. SN/SP/696. | |
| 07.01.2010 | Sources of historical statistics |
| Details of online sources of historical statistics across all subject areas other than the economy. These sources are either long-term time series or snapshots of a range of data from a specific point in the past.They allow comparisons between the present day and the start of data collection and any intervening period and give an understanding of patterns -have trends been smooth, random, cyclical etc? Snapshots cover a wider range of data and help us make more general comparisons between 'then' and 'now'. Most of the series go back to around the 1920s or earlier. . This note does not include links to economic data or anything to do with family history. | |
| 05.08.2009 | Biochar and climate change |
| This note briefly introduces biochar as a measure to tackle climate change. | |
| 25.06.2009 | Greenhouse gas emission statistics |
| Updated to included final 2007 and provisional 2008 data, carbon budgets and the lastest projections | |
| 04.06.2009 | Pre-payment meters |
| This note looks at calls for a reduction in the higher costs paid by energy consumers who use pre-payment meter. | |
| 26.11.2008 | The Renewable Energy Strategy |
| The UK has a provisional EU target for 15% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. This note details the Government's proposals to meet this target. | |
| 06.10.2008 | Energy price rises and their impact on demand |
| Social Indicators article which looks at price rises across different sectors in recent years, the impact on demand and the implications of this. This subject will be looked at in greater detail in the Library talk on 3 November: http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/whatsnew/talks.asp#144 |
All Research Papers
25 Documents
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 12.03.2013 | Energy Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| This paper complements Library Research Paper 12/79 on the Energy Bill 2012-13. It covers the Bill's Second Reading and Committee Stages. The Bill seeks to implement electricity market reform and introduces 'contracts for difference' to support all forms of low carbon generation, including nuclear. Government amendments made during Committee Stage related to cheaper energy tariffs and setting a decarbonisation target. | |
| 13.12.2012 | Energy Bill |
| The Energy Bill [Bill 100 of 2012-13] seeks to implement 'electricity market reform' and through this achieve 'secure, clean and affordable' electricity supplies. The Bill was introduced to the Commons on 29 November 2012 and will have its Second Reading debate on 19 December 2012. A draft Bill was subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee. | |
| 13.12.2012 | Growth and Infrastructure Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill. It complements Research Paper 12/61 prepared for Commons Second Reading | |
| 01.11.2012 | Growth and Infrastructure Bill |
| The Growth and Infrastructure Bill seeks to reduce delays in the planning system and to facilitate new development, through various means. It would allow planning obligations (section 106 agreements) relating to affordable housing to be renegotiated. To promote economic growth, it makes provision for a planned revaluation of business rates in England to be postponed and to create a new employment status of employee owner. Its second reading date has been moved from 30 October to 5 November 2012. | |
| 19.10.2012 | Social Indicators |
| A compendium of the latest social statistics. This edition includes articles on: UK aviation: airports and capacity; Road fuel prices and taxes across the EU; and a look back at London 2012. | |
| 11.01.2012 | Daylight Saving Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Daylight Saving Bill. | |
| 06.09.2011 | Energy Bill [HL]: Committee Stage Report |
| This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Energy Bill. It complements Library Research Paper 11/36 (Energy Bill) prepared for the Commons Second Reading. | |
| 04.05.2011 | Energy Bill [HL] |
| This briefing on the Energy Bill has been prepared for the Second Reading Debate in the House of Commons. The flagship policy in the Bill is the 'Green Deal', a scheme whereby homes would be given finance upfront to make energy efficiency improvements, which would then be paid for by energy bill savings. The Bill would also set up a new obligation on energy companies to help certain groups of consumers with saving energy, who need extra support. The Bill also introduces a range of other measures designed to improve energy efficiency; such as facilitating the roll-out of smart meters, widening access to energy performance certificates and making information on energy bills clearer. The Bill also provides measures designed to help improve energy security, to encourage low carbon generation and to grant additional powers to the Coal Authority to charge for certain services. | |
| 17.02.2010 | Energy Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| This paper summarises the House of Commons Second Reading and Committee Stage proceedings of the Energy Bill. The Bill received its Second Reading on 7 December 2009. It was not amended in Committee. The Bill will introduce an incentive to support up to four carbon capture and storage (CSS) demonstration projects in the UK. CSS is a way of reducing the impact of fossil fuel emissions by capturing carbon dioxide. It will also introduce mandatory support to lower energy bills for the most vulnerable, increase the powers of the industry regulator, Ofgem, and give the Secretary of State the power to ban cross-subsidy between gas and electricity accounts. | |
| 03.12.2009 | Energy Bill. Bill 7 2009-10. |
| The Bill would introduce: a carbon capture and storage incentive to support the construction of up to four UK demonstration projects, to be chosen in a competition; mandatory social price support to lower energy bills (social tariffs) for the most vulnerable, which would replace the current voluntary agreement which expires in 2011. It would also add ensuring security of supply and protecting consumers to the objectives of the regulator, Ofgem; increase the regulator's powers to deal with exploitation of electricity distribution constraints by generators; and increase Ofgem's power to fine companies. It would give the Secretary of State the power to ban cross-subsidy between gas and electricity accounts. | |
| 24.04.2009 | Russia and the West |
| A year on from Dmitry Medvedev's succession to the Kremlin, this paper analyses the evolution of Russian foreign policy under both Putin and Medvedev. It seeks to identify the main themes, interests, and objectives of Russian foreign policy, and to appraise the role of President Medvedev in the direction of Russian diplomacy and his relationship with Prime Minister Putin. In so doing, it examines, in detail, Russia's relationship with the United States, NATO, the EU, and the UK and analyses the role of energy in relations between Russia and the West. Finally, it looks ahead at the prospects for the relationship in light of President Obama's declared intention to press the 'reset' button in US-Russian relations. | |
| 14.01.2009 | Social Indicators |
| This Research Paper summarises a wide range of social statistics. Subjects covered include crime and justice, defence, education, elections, health and population. This edition of Social Indicators includes an article from the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, Washington , D.C.. This edition includes: Social background of the United States Congress 2009 Local authority finance in a recession 2011 UK Census of Population Underage drinking Excess winter mortality | |
| 22.10.2008 | Climate Change Bill [HL]: Committee Stage Report |
| Climate Change Bill. (Bill 129 of 2007/08) House of Commons Library Research Paper 08/79. | |
| 08.10.2008 | Social Indicators |
| This Research Paper summarises a wide range of social statistics. Subjects covered include crime and justice, defence, education, elections, health and population. This edition of Social Indicators includes an article from the Research Service of the Parliament of Australia on the immigration of highly skilled workers. This edition includes articles: - Recent trends in skilled migration to Australia - Energy price rises and their impact on demand - The UK Housing market And topical subject page on - US elections 2008 | |
| 06.06.2008 | Climate Change Bill [HL] |
| (Bill 97 of 2007-08) | |
| 23.04.2008 | Energy Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| [Bill 79 of 2007-08] | |
| 07.03.2008 | Planning Bill: Committee Stage Report |
| (Bill 71 of 2007-08) | |
| 16.01.2008 | Energy Bill |
| Energy Bill. (Bill 53 of 2007-08). House of Commons Library Research Paper 08/05. | |
| 06.12.2007 | Planning Bill |
| 09.05.2007 | Energy Security |
| Energy Security. House of Commons Library Research Paper 07/42. | |
| 08.10.2004 | Social indicators |
| Social indicators. (Includes article on Renewable energy,Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games - facts and figures 1896 to 2004,What are National Statistics? and topical subject pages on oil prices, the 'grey vote' and museum and gallery visitors). House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/74. | |
| 06.05.2004 | Energy Bill (HL) (Bill 93 2003/04) |
| Energy Bill (HL) (Bill 93 2003/04). House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/36. | |
| 06.05.2004 | Energy Bill (HL) (Bill 93 2003/04);Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (Bill 93 2003/04) |
| The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority: Part 2 of the Energy Bill (HL) (Bill 93 2003/04). House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/37. | |
| 26.01.2000 | Utilities Bill (Bill 49 of 1999/2000) |
| Utilities Bill (Bill 49 of 1999/2000). House of Commons Library Research Paper 00/7. | |
| 02.02.1998 | Regulated energy utilities |
| Regulated energy utilities. House of Commons Library Research Paper 98/19. |
