The Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) has said the UK should take inspiration from the United States if it is to introduce effective energy efficiency policies.
ACE submitted its response to the energy and climate chance select committee’s inquiry into the UK’s low carbon network infrastructure and recommended that a tranche of new policies are needed in order to deliver the required changes to energy infrastructure if it’s to be more efficient.
The independent advisory body recommended that the UK should look to the US for inspiration on these following the good work that had been achieved, both on the supply and demand side of a household’s meter.
ACE highlighted the work of regulatory obligations for energy utilities in the US to treat efficiency on a level footing with supply and especially noted California’s commitment to energy efficiency, where it has been highlighted as a particular priority.
It also highlighted the crucial role that reductions to demand on the gas network would play, stating that the government must not overlook the role demand side reduction for gas would play in meeting efficiency targets.
ACE said that by addressing demand side measures for gas the government could avoid more costly gas distribution network reinforcements which would be needed, and that more work is needed to understand the full benefits of energy efficiency investments.
“However, it is important that these are quantified and that they are taken into account in planning future network investments, with the demand side seen as an integral part of our energy infrastructure. If this does not happen, then the costs to consumers of a low carbon network will be higher than they need to be,” ACE’s response stated.
One such way this could be achieved, ACE claimed, is with the publication of a new energy white paper to compile evidence, and ACE implored the select committee to analyse how the government, the newly-formed National Infrastructure Commission, Ofgem, National Grid and other energy suppliers could collaborate to ensure resources are distributed to both demand and supply equally.
