In the lead-up to the general election, we called for cross-party consensus on making home energy efficiency a UK infrastructure priority as a means to ending fuel poverty, slashing carbon emissions and generating jobs.
The call was embraced by Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens in their manifestos and backed by a range of business associations. But the Conservative manifesto contained a pledge to insulate only one million homes – a commitment that would represent an 80 per cent fall compared with what was achieved by the coalition. The paucity of ambition might seem like a calamity for energy efficiency. But there is hope.
David Cameron promised in 2013 to make the UK the most energy-efficient economy in the world. He is personally ambitious on this issue and the Conservatives more broadly need a ramp-up on energy efficiency to deliver their promised support for the Climate Change Act.
Furthermore, the Treasury has plans for £100 billion of infrastructure investment over the next five years. Using a tiny percentage to invest in energy efficiency would represent great value for money. It could reduce gas imports, slash energy bills, make big NHS savings and generate 100,000 jobs.
As Amber Rudd takes her place as secretary of state at Decc, she must make energy efficiency infrastructure investment a top priority. No other infrastructure investment can achieve so much.
Ed Matthew, director, Energy Bill Revolution