Government Energy Efficiency Announcement

Tim Wolfenden, Head of Home Services at comparison and switching service uSwitch.com comments on the Government’s revised green targets unveiled today:

“The Government’s ambitious plans to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050 are laudable. Everyone has a role to play in slashing carbon emissions, but it may be difficult to get homeowners to invest this kind of money into making their homes energy efficient when there is a question mark hanging over whether the Government intends scrapping suppliers’ renewable obligations. 

“There needs to be a cohesive approach with each and every stakeholder – the Government, energy suppliers, consumers and businesses – doing their fair share. At the moment this feels very one-sided and yet again, it has to be asked, who will pick up the bill?

“Ten million homes will require new energy saving measures to be installed over the next decade if these targets are to be achieved. While the Government talks about running supportive schemes with energy suppliers for poorer families, what assistance will be provided to the average UK homeowner? More importantly, if energy companies are going to help meet the cost for poorer households, will this result in higher energy bills for all households as the companies scrabble to recoup some of the cost?

“The Government cannot expect to introduce such ambitious targets and then absolve any responsibility in how we set about meeting them. We can’t forget that suppliers are driven by profits – they will want to minimise the impact on shareholders. If left to their own devices they will cherry pick those households that will be easiest for them to make energy efficient. The danger of this is that consumers will have to meet the bulk of the expense, and be left with a mountain to climb, in the latter years leading up to the deadline for these targets.”