MEP GIVES THUMBS UP TO NEW ENERGY COMMISSIONER

12.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Nov 2004

Lib Dem North East MEP Fiona Hall has questioned Energy Commissioner Designate Andris Piebalgs about his commitment to energy saving.

Speaking after a special hearing last night at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Fiona Hall said:

"Mr Piebalgs showed he had a firm grasp of this issue. Using energy more efficiently is vital on three counts. It cuts CO2 emissions and helps to reduce global warming, it cuts the UK's dependency on foreign oil and gas, and it cuts fuel bills.

"Here in the North East, there are still too many people who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately. Setting high standards for energy efficiency is a good way of making sure that money for heating goes further, so that less people suffer from fuel poverty.

"I asked Mr Piebalgs to spell out in some detail how he would take energy efficiency forward and I was pleased with the response he gave. He promised to make sure that existing energy saving laws are fully implemented and he was open to extending current buildings regulations on energy efficiency to buildings under 1000m2. He also said he wanted to put more emphasis on eco-design and bring in minimum efficiency standards for appliances.

"Unlike the previous Commissioner Designate for Energy, Mr Piebalgs had clearly done his homework. MEPs from all parties gave him a spontaneous round of applause at the end of the hearing."