DECC confirms further Feed-in Tariff appeal to Supreme Court

by ClickGreen staff. Published Wed 25 Jan 2012 12:17, Last updated: 2012-01-25

DECC to take FiT appeal case to Supreme Court

Despite being refused leave to appeal to the Supreme Court by three appeal judges this morning, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has confirmed the Government will still seek permission to go the Supreme Court.

The Government wants to overturn a High Court ruling that planned cuts to the Feed-in Tariff were unlawful.

In a statement, Cabinet Minister Huhne said: "The Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court ruling on FITs albeit on different grounds. We disagree and are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

“We have already put before Parliament changes to the regulations that will bring a 21p rate into effect from April for solar pv installations from 3 March to help reduce the pressure on the budget and provide as much certainty as we can for consumers and industry.

“We want to maximise the number of installations that are possible within the available budget rather than use available money to pay a higher tariff to half the number of installations. Solar PV can have strong and vibrant future in UK and we want a lasting FITs scheme to support that future and jobs in the industry.”

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said the further appeal was wrong, adding: “The judgement should be used to draw a line under this saga, which saw the Government scoring a spectacular own goal and confidence in the renewables sector undermined.

“We must bring certainty back to this high growth sector. Looking to the future, the Government should guarantee the rate applicants will receive earlier in the process, for all the technologies covered by the feed-in-tariff, to give buyers the confidence to proceed.”

The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases and only hears cases on arguable points of law.

Earlier today, fellow DECC Minister Greg Barker wrote on his Twitter account: "Win, lose or draw today, important we move forward together, drive down costs + step up deployment". He later wrote: "Real stabilty will come from my FIT reforms, announcing Feb, not Courts, + def not 43p".

Comments about DECC confirms further Feed-in Tariff appeal to Supreme Court

Loss of earnings bring on the court cases.
Mike, Solihull around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

In my view, the appeal is a cynical attempt to reduce the number of installations at the higher rate. Unfortunately it stops everything.
Gary , Surrey around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Huhne & Barker are like the black knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail - fatally wounded,but still wanting to fight. 99% certain they lose.
Mike Johns-Turner, South West around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

If the supreme court rule against the government then Barker and Huhne should be sacked from the government.
Tony, Hants around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

£125000 in costs so far easy to keep chasing lost causes when its not your money!Thought we were looking to save money
malcolm stevens, solihull around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Surely the government need a valid reason to appeal in the supreme court. Have they got that? Dont think so. When will will we know. Soon?
Fraser, Bath around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

But even if this prcess does drag on, when they finally admit defeat installs 12thDec-3rd March will be a 43p? got to be in it to win it!
Malc, Futurewise, Bournemouth around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

So what was the point of the 'fall-back' announcement the other day? No mention in that about another appeal should they lose. Fed up.
Craig, Nuneaton around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Totally agree Robert. They will tie up the red tape until March, then it won't matter. Lower rate is better for long term stability though.
Matt, Newcastle around 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Chris Huhne the buffoon! Trying to drag out the old deadline until March so no one will invest until it is safely at 21p.
Robert Readman, Yorkshire around 3 months, 3 weeks ago