The UK energy industry needs political, legal and regulatory certainty to inspire confidence to invest in the future, according to the head of Energy UK.
Debate over energy was no longer focused on energy security and decarbonisation, but instead focused on who pays, how much and for what, the organisation’s chief executive Angela Knight told the 2013 Energy UK conference.
Major changes were taking place in electricity generation and a lot needed to be done between now and 2020, however the industry was often subject to overlapping and competing policies, she said.
“We need political, legal and regulatory certainty, and none of it can be done for nothing,” added Mrs Knight.
“Investment in generation is not disconnected from the business and household bill. Energy security cannot be achieved without investment.”
The energy industry was vital to the UK economy supporting more than 650,000 jobs across the UK, contributing about £102 billion to the economy and investing about £11.6billion every year, she said.
“The industry can do much itself but to get things working well in the long run needs everyone to pull together and for a serious debate to take place,” added Mrs Knight.
Energy UK has launched two new films – an animation providing step by step advice for customers on resolving problems with their supplier, and a film highlighting the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep homes and businesses supplied with heat and light.
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