This Act implements elements of the government’s plans to support the UK’s transition to a secure, safe, low-carbon, affordable energy system, and commit to action on climate change internationally. The Act is underpinned by three policy objectives:
The Energy Act 2011 is in five parts:
| Part 1: | Energy efficiency. Improving energy efficiency by tackling barriers to investment in energy efficiency through the Green Deal and measures to maximise its uptake; introducing powers for a new Energy Company Obligation from 2012 to complement and work in tandem with the Green Deal; making energy performance data from Energy Performance Certificates more widely available; extending powers to direct the roll out of smart meters; and conferring powers to require cheapest tariff information to be included on energy bills. |
| Part 2: | Security of energy supplies. Enhancing energy security through better monitoring of future electricity security; strengthening market incentive mechanisms for ensuring sufficient gas is available during a Gas Supply Emergency; improving third party access to UK oil and gas infrastructure; putting in place a Special Administration Regime for gas and electricity suppliers; and maximising the UK’s ability to exploit the UK Continental Shelf. |
| Part 3: | Measures for reducing carbon emissions. Enabling implementation of the enduring offshore electricity transmission regime beyond 2010, giving investors in the new nuclear sector increased certainty as to their obligations and making provision in respect of the decommissioning of infrastructure converted for carbon capture and storage demonstration projects and pipe-lines for conveying carbon dioxide. |
| Part 4: | Coal Authority. Extending the power of the Coal Authority in relation to offering and charging for services relating to non-coal mining activities. |
| Part 5: | Miscellaneous and General. Including the repeal of the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995; extent; commencement; and the short title. |
