Explanatory Notes

Energy Act 2011

2011 CHAPTER 16

18 October 2011

Summary and Background

4.The Act implements elements of: The Coalition’s programme for Government(1) the first Annual Energy Statement(2) published on 27 July 2010 and the Carbon Plan(3) published on 8 March 2011, which set out the Government’s plans to support the UK’s transition to a secure, safe, low-carbon, affordable energy system, and to mobilise commitment to ambitious action on climate change internationally.

5.The Act is underpinned by three policy objectives: tackling barriers to investment in energy efficiency; enhancing energy security; and facilitating investment in low carbon energy supplies.

6.The majority of the Act is made up of provisions to enable the financing and facilitation of the installation of energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses – the ‘Green Deal’ – with the remainder of the Act dealing with securing fair competition in energy markets and the supply of low carbon energy.