Archived press release

Foe welcomes moves by eastern electricity to combat global climate change

23 October 1997

Friends of the Earth today welcomes moves by Eastern Electricity to tackle global climate change. Later this morning [1] the company will launch a new green energy tariff which will provide significant sums of money to develop new renewable energy schemes and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions [2]. Friends of the Earth also welcomes Eastern's acknowledgement of the impact its activities have on the environment and the need to move towards greener forms of energy generation [3].

Eastern - the fourth largest UK electricity generator - will today unveil its new EcoPowertariff which will raise money through a voluntary contribution from customers which will be equally matched by Eastern Electricity. The fund will be used to develop renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and biomass. FOE's Climate Campaigner Dr Patrick Green and environmentalist Jonathon Porritt will speak at the launch.

Eastern's announcement is particularly timely as it comes as governments meet in Bonn[4] for the final round of negotiations before December's crucial Climate Summit in Kyoto,Japan. The Summit is now widely expected to fail to reach agreement on legally binding significant cuts in carbon dioxide emissions, as key governments, such as the Japanese and the US lack the will to make significant cuts [5].

Dr Patrick Green, Climate Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
"We welcome Eastern Electricity's recognition that its activities have an impact on the environment and the steps it is taking to tackle the problem. Friends of the Earth very much hopes that this forward-looking initiative will set a precedent for the rest of the UK electricity sector to follow. Energy companies that recognise the threat of climate change and the need to transform their business stand to gain, as opposed to those who retain a dinosaur-like attraction to the usual paths of electricity generation."

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Eastern Electricity's EcoPower tariff will be launched at 11:30 am on Thursday 23 October at The Gilmour Building, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Bateman Street,Cambridge. Contact Judith Hanlon if you wish to attend.

[2] Under the EcoPower scheme customers will be encouraged to pay a supplement of around 5 per cent on their quarterly bills - an extra 13 on average bills - which will be paid into a special fund for the development of renewables. Eastern will contribute an equivalent sum to the fund up to a maximum of 500,000 per annum for two years. A 10 per cent tariff is also available called EcoPower Plus. The fund will be managed by a separate body which will include independent representatives and a member of Friends of the Earth and Eastern Electricity. EcoPower is immediately available to Eastern customers and will be available to all electricity users as the electricity market opens up to competition in 1998.

[3] Eastern Electricity has acknowledged the impact that electricity generation has on the environment and the dangers of global climate change. The company has pledged to increase its use of renewables and reduce energy consumption by both its customers and itself.

[4]Governments met in Bonn on 22nd October for the final round on intergovernmental discussions on climate change.

[5]The UN Climate Summit is taking place in Kyoto, Japan between 1-10 December 1997.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust