The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd has described energy efficiency as “the most effective way to reduce carbon and reduce bills – it is the win-win”.
During the minister’s first session with the Energy and Climate Change Committee, Amber Rudd defended the government’s record on energy efficiency schemes following the abrupt closure of the Green Deal last week.
Rudd claimed that she was “particularly ambitious” about energy efficiency and is looking to “put together a long-term framework for homes and fuel poverty”.
She continued: “I’m looking at the various initiatives that have been in place under the last government to find out which ones are working best and which ones have not worked well, so that we can work with industry to design a system that will deliver most cost effectively.”
Reacting to the Secretary of State’s comments, Neil Marshall CEO of the National Insulation Association said: “We welcome the recognition of the importance of energy efficiency along with the level of ambition and intent.”
Marshall continued: “With around 6 million cavity walls, 7 million solid walls and 7 million lofts in existing homes still lacking adequate insulation, it is crucial that a long-term plan is developed which will ensure that these homes are insulated in a timely, systematic and cost effective manner.”
The NIA has identified six key elements that it would want to see included in energy efficiency policy in order to ensure that the UK can build and benefit from a vibrant energy efficiency market.
The association wants the government to implement:
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A consumer awareness and engagement programme with Government backing to clearly spell out the benefits of insulation.
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Targeted incentives and regulations where they are needed and can be justified as a means of pump priming the market.
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The increased role that area based delivery can play in achieving more cost effective delivery on the ground and engaging whole communities in energy efficiency upgrades.
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A more attractive ‘Pay as you Save’ proposition that reflects the way that consumers purchase and pay for other items with greater flexibility and choice in interest rates and payback periods.
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A more effective and efficient means of identifying and targeting fuel poor households with a package of appropriate measures delivered that will ‘fuel poverty proof’ the property.
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The importance of working with the industry, Local Government and consumer groups in the development and delivery of the plan in order to benefit from their expertise whilst achieving their support and ‘buy in’.