Renewable Energy Memo

Expected to cost 100 billion, the effort intends to increase the UK’s use of renewable energy to 15% by 2020 while also reducing carbon emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by the year 2050.(Independent). The UK government’s effort is also said to include a “social tariff”" that will charge lower prices to residential customers with lower incomes and higher prices to higher-income customers. (Guardian). Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband is also expected to announce increased support for feed-in tariffs, in which individuals with energy producing facilities (like residential solar cells) will receive above-market rates from electric utilities for electricity they supply to the grid. (Reuters). Several white papers and announcements are expected from the government on Wednesday.