UK unveils list of measures in energy White Paper

Greater energy efficiency and a secure, low carbon energy mix for the long-term are at the centre of the Energy White Paper published by British Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling.

Mr Darling told the House of Commons on Wednesday the White Paper set out a long-term framework for action to address at home and abroad the two big challenges that were climate change and maintaining stable and affordable energy supply in an increasingly unstable world.

"The UK is also becoming increasingly dependent on imported oil and gas at a time when global demand is accelerating. We will ensure we make the most of our substantial remaining reserves in the North Sea, have a diverse range of sources for our imports and make further progress opening up markets in Europe and more widely," he said.

Among other measures, the White Paper proposed that new meters would come with a real-time display from 2008.

A consultation to double energy suppliers' current obligation to deliver energy efficiency measures to customers through a new carbon emission reduction target was also suggested as was a cap and trade carbon reduction commitment for large commercial organisations such as banks, supermarkets and large local authorities.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said that in order to deliver energy security and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, an urgent and ambitious action at home and abroad had to take place. "The UK cannot act alone, but it can take the lead in working towards this goal, and the Energy White Paper will help us do that," she said.