THE PRIME MINISTER

The benefits of CHP are impressive. CHP's high energy efficiency levels cut energy costs for UK businesses, increasing their competitive edge. Community Heating schemes using CHP take disadvantaged people out of fuel poverty, providing affordable warmth and cheaper electricity from a secure, local source, supporting sustainable community development. And CHP reduces carbon emissions substantially, playing a vital part in combating climate change.

This is why the Government has demonstrated its support and encouragement of CHP. Earlier this year, Michael Meacher inaugurated the Whitehall District Energy Scheme, the Government's flagship Community Heating system, which supports all the main buildings in Whitehall, including Downing Street itself.

As we move into the new century, we are at a crucial staging post in our drive for more CHP, and the strategy for working together with CHP companies and users to achieve the target.

This Guide sets out the benefits of CHP and Community Heating and will play its part in persuading more businesses and housing managers that CHP is the right energy solution for them.

November 1999