Energy Act 2013 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for the setting of a decarbonisation target range and duties in relation to it; for or in connection with reforming the electricity market for purposes of encouraging low carbon electricity generation or ensuring security of supply; for the establishment and functions of the Office for Nuclear Regulation; about the government pipe-line and storage system and rights exercisable in relation to it; about the designation of a strategy and policy statement; about domestic supplies of gas and electricity; for extending categories of activities for which energy licences are required; for the making of orders requiring regulated persons to provide redress to consumers of gas or electricity; about offshore transmission of electricity during a commissioning period; for imposing fees in connection with certain costs incurred by the Secretary of State; and for connected purposes. |
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| Introduced by | Ed Davey |
| Territorial extent | England, Wales, Scotland |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 18 December 2013 |
| Other legislation | |
| Relates to | Energy Act 2010 |
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Status: Amended
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| History of passage through Parliament | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Energy Act 2013 is an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It focuses on how the UK gets and uses its energy. This law followed the Energy Act 2010.
The main goals of the Energy Act 2013 were to set targets for reducing carbon pollution and to change how the UK's electricity market works. Ed Davey, who was the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change at the time, said the law would help bring in money to completely change the UK's electricity system.
Contents
How the Act Became Law
The journey for the Energy Act 2013 began as a "Bill." A Bill is a proposed law.
Steps to Becoming a Law
- Introduction: The government first presented the Energy Bill in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on 29 November 2012. This is called the "first reading."
- Voting: After discussions and changes, the Bill was voted on and passed its "third reading" on 4 June 2013. Many different political parties supported it.
- Royal Assent: The Bill officially became law when it received "Royal Assent" on 18 December 2013. This means the monarch (the King or Queen) formally approved it.
What the Act Aims To Do
The Energy Act 2013 has several key aims to make sure the UK has a reliable and cleaner energy supply.
Keeping Electricity Flowing
One main goal is to keep the electricity supply steady. This is important as older coal-fired power stations are being shut down. The Act helps make it easier to build new nuclear power stations. It also led to the creation of a new group called the Office for Nuclear Regulation. This group makes sure nuclear power is safe.
Reducing Carbon Pollution
The Act also deals with decarbonisation, which means reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air. This gas contributes to climate change. The law proposed to set new carbon reduction targets later, in 2016.
Some businesses and experts were worried about this delay. They felt it made it harder for companies to plan and invest in new, cleaner energy projects. Some Members of Parliament, like Tim Yeo and Barry Gardiner, tried to change the Bill. They wanted a clear target for reducing carbon from the power sector by 2030 to be set sooner.
Government Pipelines
The Act also allowed the government to sell off the Government Pipelines and Storage System. This system includes pipelines and storage facilities used for fuel.
See also
