Archived press release

Public Show Strong Demand to Buy Green Energy

30 October 1996

The results show that 86% of the public would prefer to buy electricity generated from a renewable source. Of these, 24% would be prepared to pay a premium price to buy green energy. Nearly half of these would be prepared to pay up to 10% more on their current electricity bills. These results indicate to some extent how the market will develop when energy liberalisation takes place in April 1998, when the domestic energy consumer will be able to choose who they buy their energy from.

Tricia Allen, Energy Campaigner from Friends of the Earth said:

"These results show that, when the public are allowed to choose, they will want to invest in a green, clean future. Our current reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power brings with it environmental destruction such as global climate change,acid rain and radioactive waste. Strong public demand for green energy signals the dawning of a new era for renewable energy in Britain."

The potential for the development for renewable energy post-1998 hangs in the balance at present. The Non Fossil Fuel Obligation, which provides a premium price for renewable energy, is due to end in 1998. Fiscal measures, such as removing VAT on renewable energy, and including externalities in the cost of fossil fuel and nuclear based energy production, would create a level playing field for renewable energy to be truly competitive when liberalisation of the energy market takes place. It is the responsibility of the energy regulators and the Government to ensure that the market is able to meet potential public demand illustrated by these results.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The MORI poll was commissioned by the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG). 1002 interviews took place from 4-7 October across Britain. A full copy of the results can be obtained from Fanny Calder (PRASEG) on 020 7359 3070.

[2] The PRASEG conference takes place at Stakis St. Ermin's Hotel, Caxton Street, London on 30 October 1996 from 9.30am onwards. The sessions will be chaired by Sir John Houghton CBE FRS, chair of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, and Sue McGregor, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

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