To Hypothecate Or Not To Hypothecate, That Is The Question

The Environmental Audit Committee in its latest report rounds on the government for giving environmental taxes a bad name. The Committee claims that the govenment is using taxes to raise revenue rather than to recycle into environmental improvements. Well, yes, isn't that what taxes are for? Can't we get away from this notion that green taxes are some special class. Basically, they're not. In essence they are perhaps better than some taxes in that they are targetted at bads rather than goods. There's some education to be done all round!

I'm No Economist, But.......

Chris Huhne (he of the rather heavy right foot) says that the big six have a strangle hold on the UK domestic energy market (presumably he just means gas and electricity although the article seems to lean towards electricity alone - a not unfamiliar failing in energy discussions) and that the market should be broken up. OK - that's the standard "need for more competition" line. He says "We need more companies and more competition to keep prices as low as possible". But he also says "The UK needs to double its normal energy investment to replace old power stations". (See what I mean about electricity only?). Forgive me if I'm being naive but if we're aiming to drive down prices - presumably to nearer short-run marginal cost - then will we not be decreasing the companies ability to invest? Power stations are expensive things and investors need to know that they will make a return on their investments. The market is not particularly indusive to such investment now - and Huhne's "solution" will only make life more difficult.

Warmer Bath

I've just come across a publication entitled "Warmer Bath" which is one of the best guides to domestic energy efficiency (with or without an historic building emphasis) that I have come across. The document is lucid, does not patronise, and has a number of useful features such as a table listing in one place the carbon effectiveness, cost and hassle factor associated with many measures. It's a pity most EE publications are no where near so well written.

Full Circle

When I were a lad (and we lived in a cardboard box on the A1 etc. etc.) I recall my mother taking apart old clothing and refashioning it into something "new". Well, it's come full circle. I really like what Worn Again is doing. And well done to Virgin and Eurostart for their part.