Carbon emissions reduction targets

15Promotion of reductions in carbon emissions: gas transporters and suppliers

(1)

Section 33BC of the Gas Act 1986 (c. 44) (promotion of the efficient use by consumers of gas) is amended as follows.

(2)

In subsection (1)—

(a)

for “energy efficiency target” substitute “ carbon emissions reduction target ”, and

(b)

for “an “energy efficiency obligation”” substitute “ a “carbon emissions reduction obligation” ”.

(3)

For subsection (2) substitute—

“(2)

In this section “carbon emissions reduction target” means a target for the promotion of any of the following—

(a)

measures for improving energy efficiency, that is to say, efficiency in the use by consumers of electricity, gas conveyed through pipes or any other source of energy which is specified in the order;

(b)

if the order so provides—

(i)

measures for increasing the amount of electricity generated, or heat produced, by microgeneration;

(ii)

any other measures of a description specified in the order for increasing the amount of electricity generated, or heat produced, using low-emissions sources or technologies;

(iii)

measures for reducing the consumption of such energy as is mentioned in paragraph (a).”

(4)

After subsection (10) insert—

“(10A)

An order under this section shall not include provision made by virtue of subsection (2)(b) which would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of that Parliament.”

(5)

After subsection (12), add—

“(13)

In this section—

“microgeneration” has the same meaning as in the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006;

“plant” includes any equipment, apparatus or appliance.

(14)

For the purposes of subsection (2)(b)(ii), electricity is generated, or heat is produced, using low-emissions sources or technologies if it is generated, or produced, by plant which relies wholly or mainly on a source of energy or a technology mentioned in section 26(2) of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006.”