Government commits to feed-in tariff

The government has confirmed that it will introduce a feed-in tariff for small scale renewables as part of its Energy Bill.

Energy minister Mike O'Brien said: "We are committed to introducing a feed-in tariff scheme for small-scale electricity in 2010.

“Our ideal target is for the scheme to go live in April 2010, so that it can be aligned with the financial year of the renewables obligation."

O’Brien said that if the government misses the April 2010 target, it will introduce the feed-in tariffs as soon as possible afterwards and not wait until the next financial year.

He also stressed, however, that getting the details of the feed-in tariff system correct first is vital.

"Moving too fast and getting it wrong will carry a price, and that price will be paid by consumers," said O’Brien.