Gas Should Be Taxed More Than Electric, UK Energy Minister Says

Britain should place higher taxes on natural gas than power to spur the country’s shift to a low-carbon economy, according to UK Energy Secretary Grant Shapps.

The UK has long relied on gas for domestic use, helped by a reduced rate of value added tax on the fuel and an established infrastructure. The government however wants people to shift from fossil-fuel boilers to electric heat pumps, where uptake of the lower emission technology is among the worst in Europe.