Asked whether the government would consider using the rollout process to increase uptake of energy efficiency, Rudd said “I’m going to have to think about that, we’ll see.”
The Energy and Utilities Alliance has called for the energy industry to “seriously consider” using the rollout to inform homeowners of the options available to them to improve energy efficiency after Labour peer Lord Whitty said the rollout should include a Green Deal type assessment.
Earlier this summer the government scrapped its headline energy efficiency programme the Green Deal due to poor uptake, and announced a review of all energy efficiency policy, due in the autumn.
Rudd, speaking at a House of Commons networking reception organised by Utility Week in association with the Energy Networks Association, said: “As new approaches and technologies are proven, we need to consider how are rolled out across the country so we maximise the benefits to consumers.
“ I think will already provide energy efficiency opportunities.
“In society as a whole we are entering a new age of consumer activism, digital revolution has made it much easier for consumers to get real time information about products and services and for them to be able to choose what is right for them.
“This combined with the need to reduce our carbon emissions has resulted in any energy markets entering a new phase in development and innovation.”