Energy supplier obligations: Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) - which came into effect on 1 April 2008 and will run until 2011 - is an obligation on energy suppliers to achieve targets for promoting reductions in carbon emissions in the household sector.
It is the principal driver of energy efficiency improvements in existing homes in Great Britain. It marks a significant strengthening of our efforts to reduce household carbon emissions – with a doubling of the level of activity of its predecessor Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC).
- details of Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) announced
- Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emission Reduction) Order 2008 (on OPSI website) - this contains the impact assessment and illustrative mix of measures.
CERT will deliver overall lifetime carbon dioxide savings of 154 MtCO2 – equivalent to annual net savings of 4.2MtCO2 by 2010, and equivalent to the emissions from 700,000 homes each year – and will stimulate about £2.8 billion of investment by energy suppliers in carbon reduction measures.
Suppliers must direct at least 40% of carbon savings to a priority group of low-income and elderly consumers. By extending the priority group to include the over 70s we are ensuring that a large number of fuel poor households, who are not eligible under the current criteria, become eligible for support.
In addition to the energy efficiency measures of the current EEC, suppliers will be able to promote microgeneration measures; biomass community heating and CHP; and other measures for reducing the consumption of supplied energy. CERT will maintain a focus on vulnerable consumers and will include new approaches to innovation and flexibility.
Page last modified: 2 April 2008