September 24, 2008
UK to seek alternatives to gas imports
With the energy crisis in full swing the UK Business Minister, John Hutton, has said that it is the intention of the government to restrict the amount of gas that is imported into the UK. The minister stated that there will be a sustained push to build some new nuclear and coal power stations and such action is necessary to preserve and protect the future supply of British energy.
Gas and electricity price hikes are hitting the most vulnerable families the hardest, and the government’s $1 billion energy efficiency package has drawn broad criticism from a variety of charities and campaign groups.
The ability of power companies to raise prices without fear of intervention has also proved to be embarrassing for those elected officials who are charged with ensuring that the UK has sufficient energy reserves to prevent the poorest households from suffering unnecessarily.
Currently, Europe is heavily reliant on Russian gas imports and experts have warned that the UK could be held to political ransom if it does not find an alternative to Russian gas.