In a report published today, Which? slammed the government for failing to address the issue of energy efficiency, leaving the UK with one of the least efficient housing stocks in Europe.
The group’s executive director Richard Lloyd insisted the next government “grab the issue by the scruff of the neck” and “radically improve the roll out, funding and take-up of energy efficiency measures so people can enjoy warmer homes, lower bills and better health”.
The report recommends a review of Eco and the Green Deal which it argues have both shown “serious failings”; as well as a decade-long cross-government plan with “clear insulation targets and delivery plans”; and greater scrutiny of money spent from consumers’ bills on energy efficiency.
It also proposes a long-term levy on energy suppliers, paid into a central pot, which would be allocated to local authorities for the roll-out of energy saving measures from 2017.
Which? argues that the full potential of energy efficiency measures is not being realised, with more than 5 million homes still without their cavity walls filled – a measure which can save up to £140 a year off the average dual fuel bill – and 7.4 million still needing their lofts lagged.
The group suggests energy efficiency is part of a “wider issue” within the energy sector and the next government must “prioritise making sure the energy market is stronger, more competitive and works better for consumers”.
Last week, the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) announced a joint commitment with project development firm Equitix, of £5 million to fund the installation of energy efficient heating systems in social housing.
GIB managing director Bill Rogers said: “The project will bring cost savings, carbon savings and provide the social landlord with the practical benefits of outsourcing its energy arrangements. This is a model we’d like to see rolled out at scale across the rest of the UK.”
With the general election fast approaching, energy efficiency has become a political hot topic. In September last year, energy minister Amber Rudd hit back at comments from shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint, saying the Conservatives are “already rolling out a national energy efficiency programme like the one Labour has promised”.
Flint had promised to make energy efficiency a “national infrastructure priority” under a Labour government, following news in July that the UK had fallen from first place to sixth in the global energy efficiency rankings.
Earlier this month, energy secretary Ed Davey pledged to make energy efficiency part of the UK’s National Infrastructure Plan with investment of £2 billion per year from 2018, if the Liberal Democrats are elected to power.