Green energy suppliers look to Budget for funds - 15/04/2009

Homeowners looking to compare gas and electricity prices may find greater choice if calls for increased green funds are reflected by the upcoming Budget, reports the Times.

The government is under pressure to announce greater financial assistance for the green energy sector, in order to both reduce energy prices for consumers and work towards reducing the UK's carbon footprint in line with commitments made to the European Union.

Organisations such as the British Wind Energy Association say they need substantial funding to expand renewable infrastructure, but many energy companies are distancing themselves from the sector in response to rising costs.

Greg Barker, shadow energy minister, told the paper: "Investment is close to collapsing right across the low-carbon sector and all the government seems to do is call for more consultations and host photo opportunities masquerading as 'green job' summits."

There is also pressure on the government to decide whether coal-fired power stations have a future in the UK's energy infrastructure, as they may be needed to replace several aging power plants.

Energy company EDF will be leading nuclear regeneration, but new reactors will not be ready until around 2017.

If you want to compare all the UK's green energy suppliers you can use the energyhelpline calculator, to proceed click here.