Infrastructure - Energy
The biggest energy concern for Chamber members is the lack of a national long-term strategy that takes into account future needs and delivers an efficient, secure and cost-effective energy supply. A new, long-term strategy must ensure that sources of energy not only allow the UK to achieve its carbon reduction commitments, but also are balanced against large subsidies that may consistently increase bills.
Current energy policy to support decarbonisation is having a significant effect on businesses which use high volumes of energy. This can have unintended consequences for British businesses where the increased cost base can drive processes to other countries, where environmental standards are less strict. In turn, this means that not only does the UK suffer from lost output, but the global environmental impact is potentially made worse. |
DID YOU KNOW?
93% of Chamber Council members when polled voted for the Chamber to prioritise its campaigning on future energy strategy. Chamber Council February 2014 . |
Greater Manchester Chamber calls for:
• The national infrastructure body to co-ordinate with other departments and organisations to lead delivery of a long-term energy strategy that delivers security of supply across a balanced number of energy sources whilst meeting environmental obligations, as well as the needs of business.
• No potential energy source to be ignored without a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis taking place. This should include all financial implications including construction cost and running costs as well as government subsidies, and also take into account local, national and international economic and environmental concerns.
• No potential energy source to be ignored without a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis taking place. This should include all financial implications including construction cost and running costs as well as government subsidies, and also take into account local, national and international economic and environmental concerns.