The letter argues that energy efficiency is the “only sure way” to protect households against rising bills in the long-term, and that rolling back the Energy Company Obligation (Eco) would increase energy bills for vulnerable and low income consumers, and have “severe consequences” for jobs in the sector.
The companies are responding to comments made last week by David Cameron, who said the government needs to “roll back” the green levies “that are putting up bills”.
The letter, coordinated by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), has been signed by chief executives from more than 50 firms, including Eon, Carillion, Green Alliance and the Association for the Conservation of Energy.
The Prime Minister is urged to consider introducing additional incentives to the Green Deal, such as beneficial stamp duty rates for energy efficient homes, which would boost uptake of the Green Deal and subsequently reduce the costs of Eco.
Paul King, chief executive of the UKGBC, said: “Business leaders are sending a powerful message to David Cameron – do not scrap Eco.
“Cutting back schemes designed to boost energy efficiency is an incredibly short-sighted view and one that will only result in higher bills in the medium to long-term for those most vulnerable for rocketing energy prices.
“Energy efficiency is the only guaranteed way to combat rising energy bills and it defies belief that the Prime Minister is considering rolling back one of the government’s biggest initiatives to achieve this.”