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The domestic renewable energy industry has welcomed the governments proposed amendments to the Planning and Energy Act, designed at driving the incorporation of renewable energy technologies in new homes.
The government’s proposed amendment to the Deregulation Bill, removes the power from local governments to set energy efficiency standards for new buildings, but has left in place powers to specify the sourcing of onsite renewables.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) claimed the move would reduce energy bills and carbon footprints for the occupants of new houses.
It said that, although last year’s update to Building Regulations did slightly increase energy efficiency standards, it did not provide any impetus for renewables.
This outcome is therefore “a great relief” for the new build renewables sector, according to the trade body, and would preserve jobs and skills developed to date ahead of the implementation of full ‘Zero Carbon’ standards, in the 2016 Building Regulations update.
Mike Landy, head of on-site renewables at REA, said: “We very much welcome that Government has listened to our concerns and retained the Merton Rule for renewable energy. This popular policy will continue to enable local authorities to ensure that new homes in their locality enjoy lower energy bills and carbon footprints thanks to on-site renewables and renewable heat networks. This is great news for green jobs and skills in the sector.”
The REA and Solar is a member of the Efficient Affordable Energy in Buildings campaign, which coordinated an open letter to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles earlier this week, urging him not to scrap the Merton rule.
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