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Bill · started in the Commons

Energy Act 2010

A Bill to make provision relating to the demonstration, assessment and use of carbon capture and storage technology; to make provision for requiring benefits to be provided by holders of gas or electricity supply licences; to make provision about functions of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority; to make provision about general duties of the Secretary of State in relation to gas and electricity markets; to make provision about electricity generation licences; to make provision about persons authorised to supply gas or electricity; and for connected purposes.

Now an Act of Parliament

The story so farThe Energy Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 19 November 2009 by Edward Miliband (Labour). It completed its passage through Parliament and became law as the Energy Act 2010, receiving Royal Assent on 8 April 2010.

What the bill does

<p>The Bill follows on from the low carbon transition plan, published in July 2009. This plan aims to deliver emissions cuts of 34 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and of 80 per cent by 2050, while maintaining security of supply, maximising economic opportunities and protecting vulnerable consumers. The Bill will deliver some of the primary legislation required by the plan.</p><p><strong>Key areas</strong></p><ul><li>introduces a carbon capture and storage incentive to support the construction of up to four UK demonstration projects, to be chosen in a competition</li><li>provides for mandatory social price support to reduce energy bills for the most vulnerable. This would replace the current voluntary agreement which expires in 2011</li><li>increases the powers of the regulator, Ofgem, to deal with exploitation of electricity distribution constraints by generators</li><li>increases Ofgem&rsquo;s power to fine companies</li><li>clarifies Ofgem&rsquo;s objectives on tackling climate change, ensuring secure energy supplies and the role of measures other than competition in protecting the interests of consumers</li><li>gives the Secretary of State the power to ban cross-subsidy between gas and electricity accounts</li></ul>

Progress through Parliament

  1. 1st reading Commons 19 Nov 2009
  2. 2nd reading Commons 7 Dec 2009
  3. Programme motion Commons 7 Dec 2009
  4. Money resolution Commons 7 Dec 2009
  5. Committee stage Commons 5 Jan to 21 Jan 2010
  6. Report stage Commons 24 Feb 2010
  7. 3rd reading Commons 24 Feb 2010
  8. 1st reading Lords 25 Feb 2010
  9. 2nd reading Lords 23 Mar 2010
  10. Committee stage Lords 7 Apr 2010
  11. Report stage Lords 7 Apr 2010
  12. 3rd reading Lords 7 Apr 2010
  13. Consideration of Lords amendments Commons 8 Apr 2010
  14. Royal Assent Unassigned 8 Apr 2010

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 16 Aug 2010.