Energy Saving Trust joins coalition calling for a green and resilient response to the gas crisis

A coalition of 27 charities and mission-led organisations, including Energy Saving Trust, has written to the UK Government urging them to respond to the ongoing gas crisis with measures to create a green, fair and affordable energy future for all.

The groups note that, following the rise in the cost of gas on the global market, households face an enormous increase in their energy bills, fuelling a cost-of-living crisis and increasing fuel poverty by 50%, from 4 to 6 million households.

This increase could lead to millions of vulnerable households rationing their energy, increasing both unnecessary loss of life during winter and the burden on the NHS when it is already under extreme strain due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Emergency support is needed immediately for the most vulnerable households.

The root cause of the cost-of-living crisis is the UK’s heavy reliance on fossil gas for heating and power. Over 85% of UK homes currently depend on fossil gas heating, and exposure to volatile international gas markets is exacerbated by the country’s cold and leaky housing stock.

The letter calls on the UK Government to address these underlying drivers of the crisis by investing in a greener, fairer and healthier future. The path to long-term resilience and to address the climate crisis is to ensure all UK homes are well insulated and powered by domestic renewable energy.

Read the coalition’s letter to government here, or visit our energy efficiency advice pages.