The CBI today (Wednesday) reacted to a speech by Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, at the CBI’s Climate Change Summit 2010, in which he announced a consultation on the Carbon Reduction Commitment and a delay in the introduction of phase two – the trading part – of the scheme.
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said:
“We are relieved that the Government has listened to our concerns about changes to the CRC.
“The announcement that there will be a consultation and that phase two will be delayed mark the start of winning back those businesses angered by the decision to remove the cash-back incentive.
“However, much more needs to be done. It is critical that the CRC becomes an effective tool for encouraging energy efficiency, and not just another tax.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to electricity market reform, which is necessary for bringing forward investment to renew our energy infrastructure.”