European Commission targets energy efficiency - Watson

9.22.45am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Oct 2006

Graham Watson Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar has welcomed a major new energy efficiency action plan proposed by European Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs. The plan's aim of dramatically reducing energy use by 2020 could soon be helping local industries in the South West struggling with rising energy costs and local authorities facing tough household energy efficiency targets.

In July 2006, EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs came to the South West at Graham's invitation to look at sustainable energy projects and to share Cornwall's pioneering experience with the rest of Europe.

Speaking today on the launch of 'Realising the Potential', the European Commission's Energy Efficiency action plan, Graham Watson MEP said:

"This move which will force manufactures to change their ways in producing energy efficient products will have the knock on effect of improving household energy efficiency. As consumers, we must all do our bit to reduce consumption by being more vigilant over the amount of energy we are using. This will also have the happy side effect of reducing bills."

With domestic housing responsible for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, the proposals by the European Commissioner are set to improve energy efficiency of every-day electrical household items. Particularly targeted will be items with a standby button and devices which are plugged in all day. Energy loss is also tackled and from 2009 windows fitted to all new and most renovated buildings will have to conform to latest heat-loss standards.

Graham carried on to say:

"DEFRA figures for 2004/5 show that in the South West only 14 out of 45 local authorities are on track to meet their 30% energy reduction targets under the Home Energy Conservation Act."

The European Commission's action plan comes days before the launch of the Liberal Democrat's Green Tax Switch Action Week, running between 21st - 29th October, part of the Liberal Democrats new environmental action plan to cut income tax and switch to green taxes on things like pollution and carbon. Graham reinforces his green credentials by using in his office electricity 100% generated by renewable projects and campaigns for an end to over-reliance on fossil fuels, greater investment in renewable energy and increased efforts on energy conservation.