The government estimated that energy and climate change policies, such as the proposed Carbon Price Floor and Renewables Obligation, could increase energy prices paid by intensive users by up to 28 per cent in 2020. In response it offered £250 million of direct financial assistance, which it said will be targeted to the most energy-intensive businesses whose competitiveness may be affected. Now it wants companies and trade bodies to provide data about their usage so it can decide how to spend the money.
The call for evidence closes on 4 May, and government said it would consult in September on new proposals. The support programme would be implemented in Spring 2013 – subject to state aid rules.