PM Brown’s relaunch strategy to include energy package

According to industry sources, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to concentrate on a bill to reduce household energy bills as part of his strategy toward a relaunch agenda. These will most likely be in the form of one-off stimulus package type measures to help families combat the soaring cost of energy.

In recent weeks, MPs have been in last-ditch talks with utility firms to provide assistance to poor families of up to a slash of about ₤100 in their electricity bills. The fact that giant utilities in UK are reluctant to back the government’s plan has forced Prime Minister Brown to postpone his announcement of the energy aid package.

Discussions with UK energy firms focussed on utility providers spending more to aid low-income homes keep warm this winter and help to them to use less electricity, say published reports. Although a specific outcome is not clear, ministers say that a number of options are available. And one of them would be a “windfall tax.”

Nonetheless, most sources close to the matter say that “energy efficiency” is the preferred outcome of the talks as it is also a “sustainable solution” to combating the issue of fuel poverty.

Should the fuel firms withhold a deal for a one-off package, it would be a serious setback to the Prime Minister, who has rooted for the program and in providing funds of up to ₤1 billion toward fuel poverty. Alternatively, a change of focus to lightbulbs that are energy efficient, roof insulation or small wind turbines for that matter may not have as much a political impact on Brown’s political relaunch.