Energy efficiency is a part of the solution to the energy and climate crisis.
Mike Thornton, chief executive of Energy Saving Trust, said:
“With typical household energy bills set to rise from £2,500 to £3,000 in April as the government reduces its support, many people will be worried about affording their bills. To overcome the interlinked problems of high fuel bills, energy insecurity and the climate emergency, the government must address the sources of the UK’s vulnerability to volatile energy markets.
“The government has rightly recognised the importance of energy efficiency by setting out new ambitions for reducing energy demand with a dedicated taskforce and committing to additional funding after 2025. However, this simply won’t be in place in time to help people this winter – or next.
“We agree that energy efficiency is the quickest and most effective way to bring down bills and reduce carbon emissions and it will also reduce the need for future government spending on subsidising energy. We need a nationwide retrofit programme to be rapidly put in place to provide insulation. This should all be supported by an energy efficiency advice service to supercharge take-up and to help people understand how to make their homes cost effective to run.
“The boosted windfall tax for oil and gas companies should be used to help fund this retrofit programme. If government is to fulfil its ambition of supporting families and businesses to play their part, we also need a national public awareness campaign to empower people with practical tips and options to manage their energy use and reduce their bills.
“Government has shown welcome ambition today but it now needs to be serious about turning this ambition into swift action.”