Commentary on Sections Section 5: CHP targets
17.In the Energy White Paper, the Government committed itself to setting a target for the use of CHP generated electricity in the central Government estate. This section puts in place a statutory duty to do so by the end of 2003 by means of a statement that must be laid before Parliament. A further statement modifying and or revoking that statement may also be made at any time. The effect of subsection (6) is that a target must be specified for 2010. This echoes the Government’s existing CHP commitment for the UK as a whole. Subsection (9) prevents proceedings being brought to enforce the target or to review any act, or failure to act, in relation to the target.
18.In subsection (4), paragraph (b) provides a power for the Secretary of State to specify “any other requirements” for the purposes of the definition of CHP electricity in that subsection. This allows for stricter definitions of CHP to be specified in regard to the target (for example, by imposing requirements relating to the use of “Good Quality” CHP).
19.Subsection (5) provides powers to define the departments and other bodies and electricity use to which any target applies.