By Paul Homewood
h/t Ian Magness
I can only assume the Tories have a death wish!
Plans to impose targets for electric heat pump sales on gas boiler manufacturers could be confirmed as early as next week, after fierce debate within government and intense lobbying from industry to abandon the policy.
Sky News understands energy secretary Claire Coutinho had intended to ditch the policy, known as the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), but will now proceed following objections from ministerial colleagues, who argued that it is crucial to decarbonising home heating and meeting wider net zero policy.
Manufacturers have warned the policy will increase the cost of boilers.
In a concession to the industry, fines for missing electric heat pump targets will be pushed back by 12 months to April 2025.
Ms Coutinho is also expected to refer several major gas boiler manufacturers to the Competition and Markets Authority for potentially colluding over price increases of up to £120 on gas boilers, imposed to cover potential fines that they described as a "boiler tax".
The long-awaited announcement comes after weeks of tension in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Ms Coutinho’s intention to bow to gas industry pressure met opposition from ministers Lord Callanan, the minister for energy efficiency, and Graham Stuart, the minister for energy security and net zero, who were both reported to have considered resigning.
Net Zero extremists such as Callanan and Stuart should have been told they have no place in the party, if they are prepared to put their zealotry above the interests of the public at large.
The Tories already face electoral oblivion. Their one hope is to face down these green nutters, and stand up for the interest of the public.
It appears that they have thrown away their last chance.
via NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT
March 8, 2024 at 03:12PM
Iowa Climate Science Education 