Auditors probe £16bn green energy contracts

The government may have failed to protect the interests of bill payers when awarding green energy contracts, says the National Audit Office (NAO).

Eight long-term deals worth £16.6bn were signed earlier this year to secure projects at risk of cancellation.

The NAO says too much money was awarded to these renewable sources "without price competition" and is concerned this could ultimately increase costs.

The government says the projects will provide jobs and private investment.

Under an EU directive, the UK government is committed to producing 30% of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28041525