Lords Vote To Ensure Energy Sector Has A Greater Concern For The Future

6.07.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Mar 2004

The Liberal Democrats have today defeated the Government with an amendment to the Energy Bill, which will secure a sustainable development duty on the gas and electricity regulator Ofgem.

Commenting, Baroness Sue Miller of Chilthorne Domer, Liberal Democrat environment and energy spokesperson, said: "Liberal Democrats have ensured the energy market in future combines the financial and environmental interests of consumers by making OFGEM concerned with both price and sustainability."

ENDS

Notes

• On the Energy Bill Report Stage (Day 3) amendment 171B to the Bill was voted content by 148 votes to 111.

• Amendment 171B:

Insert the following new Clause- "Gas and Electricity Markets Authority Sustainability Duty (1) The 1989 Act shall be amended as follows. (2) In section 3A (the principal objective and general duties of the Secretary of State and the Authority), after subsection (2) insert- (2A) Subject to subsections (1) and (2) above, the Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out their respective functions under this Part in such a manner as to ensure the contribution to the achievement of sustainable development."