OFTEC comments on Wera Hobhouse MP statement: Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is central to a green recovery
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Paul Rose, chief executive of OFTEC, the trade association for the liquid fuel industry, said:
“Improving the energy efficiency of UK homes should be a priority for government, alongside creating a more competitive market for renewable heating that encourages innovation, provides choice for consumers and drives down end costs.
“The issue is particularly crucial in rural areas where properties tend to be older and larger with poorer insulation. This contributes to higher levels of fuel poverty and a larger fuel poverty gap experienced by many households¹.
“The social and economic benefits of improving UK housing stock are far reaching and reducing energy bills, tackling fuel poverty and creating jobs will be even more important in a post Covid-19 economy.
“However, the investment required to achieve this will be harder to find. With consumer finances hit hard, government support will be essential - but Treasury reserves have also been severely depleted.
“This is why cost-effectiveness must lie at the heart of plans to achieve a carbon zero future. Government must support energy efficiency measures and green heating solutions that provide the biggest impact for the investment made. These include renewable liquid fuels to directly replace kerosene for the UK’s 1.5 million oil heated homes.
“Quality of outcomes will also be essential to success, ensuring homes are improved to standards that last a lifetime and beyond. This requires quality training, and a robust certification framework, to make sure all those working in the sector are professionally competent.
“Bringing every UK home up to a minimum standard of energy efficiency is a major ambition - but a vital part of the decarbonisation challenge. With the right policy support and framework in place, it could be achieved and work must start now.”
¹BEIS Annual Fuel Poverty Statistics Report April 2020
