The development of our alternative and renewable energy sources as a means of electricity production is now an important part of the Government's overall energy policy. Renewable, sustainable or alternative forms of energy are defined in the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. This legislation led to the market for electricity produced from these sources to be fully liberalised since February 2000, some five years in advance of full market liberalisation. As Minister with responsibility for energy matters, my remit is to create a positive framework whereby these resources can prosper and contribute significantly to our energy needs.
I am currently awaiting reports from the bioenergy strategy group, the combined heat and power policy group and the renewable energy development group. The groups' reports are due very shortly and will form the basis of my future policy decisions on the increased penetration of renewable energy technologies in the electricity market. I have no plans at this stage to propose any further legislation on this matter.