The Energy Companies Obligation (Eco), which requires suppliers to install energy efficiency measures in domestic households, is due to enter a transitional year in March 2017 before a new scheme is announced. In January this year, energy minister Lord Bourne told MPs that the recast Eco would focus on fuel poverty.
Speaking to Utility Week, Foster said: “Connection to the gas grid is something that for me is a win-win for consumers but other areas Eco should examine as it moves forward and looks to change… would be looking at working closer with local community groups or local authorities.”
He added: “Firstly, because I think they can be seen as a more trusted partner to deliver energy efficiency compared to an energy supplier because there are issues that are yet to be addressed with trust. I think we need to recognise that.”
Foster also told Utility Week that local authorities and community groups may be better at targeting the fuel poor than energy suppliers.
The new scheme, which is yet to be announced, has already faced critics for not giving enough support to the able-to-pay market and, earlier this year, shadow energy minister Alan Whitehead warned that early signs suggest the replacement scheme for Eco and Green Deal “won’t be good enough”.