- Taskforce on energy efficiency disbanded.
- Concerns over green policy overhaul.
- Focus shifts from landlord regulations.
A taskforce aimed at expediting home insulation and boiler upgrades is being disbanded, raising concerns about the future of energy efficiency initiatives.
This taskforce, initiated in March and comprising experts such as Sir John Armitt, the chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, is facing dissolution.
This decision appears to be a consequence of Rishi Sunak’s decision to overhaul green policies, including the removal of energy efficiency regulations for landlords.
A letter advised taskforce members of its disbandment.
The Energy Security and Net Zero department’s spokesperson stated, “We appreciate the efforts of the Energy Efficiency Taskforce in aligning with our goal of reducing the UK’s total energy consumption by 15% from 2021 levels by 2030.”
The spokeswoman further noted that this Parliament committed £6.6 billion for energy efficiency initiatives. The government remains committed to assisting households in making their homes more energy-efficient, thus reducing bills and contributing to achieving net-zero emissions.
Laura Sandys, a former Conservative MP and a member of the taskforce, expressed disappointment about its disbandment. She stressed the importance of energy efficiency in reducing living costs and enhancing energy security.
A source close to the taskforce emphasized the significance of reducing energy consumption, stating, “The most cost-effective energy is the energy we don’t use. The taskforce was established to support this goal.”
UK Labour Party criticised the decision, promising to renovate 19 million poorly-insulated homes over a decade if elected.
The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme, criticised for inefficiencies, ended in 2021.
It’s well-known that the UK has some of the oldest and least energy-efficient housing in Europe. In 2020, 12 million UK houses had Energy Performance Certificates classified D or lower. Indicating non-compliance with long-term energy efficiency standards.
The prime minister has announced the removal of policies that would require landlords to enhance energy efficiency in their properties. Concerns about costs prompted this modification. Instead, the government will encourage households to undertake energy-efficient upgrades.
The government’s energy efficiency group, which sought to cut energy use by 15% by 2030, will dissolve. The taskforce’s work included plans to accelerate household insulation and boiler upgrades.
This decision raises questions about the government’s commitment to energy efficiency and its impact on citizens’ living expenses. Energy specialists worry that such changes could raise energy prices, undercutting family energy savings.
The dissolution of the energy efficiency taskforce has raised concerns about the future of energy efficiency initiatives in the UK. Despite previous investments and commitments, the decision to disband the taskforce and revise regulations for landlords has sparked debate about the government’s approach to addressing energy efficiency and its potential impact on citizens’ expenses.
