Govt sets out next steps for Green Deal - 12/06/2012

The government has unveiled secondary legislation that should enable the Green Deal to proceed and allow more homeowners to get cheap energy.

It was noted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that millions of families in the UK are currently struggling with the high cost of energy.

But while many people may be able to make savings by performing an energy comparison and switching to a cheaper supplier, the government observed one of the major long-term problems is a lack of efficiency in the country's housing stock.

Many properties lack double glazing, DECC said, while more than half do not have sufficient insulation or a condensing boiler.

Therefore, it is hoped the Green Deal programme will help rectify this by enabling homeowners to make much-needed efficiency improvements at no upfront cost, with the expenses to be claimed back through the resulting cheaper bills.

This is why DECC has this week published further details of the policy to provide greater clarity on this initiative, as well as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) that will see gas and electricity providers required to offer subsidies to some customers.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey said: "The Green Deal will play a huge role in improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses, with ECO making sure that the most vulnerable homes benefit too."

He added he is determined to make sure the new energy efficiency market offers the best possible deal for consumers, as well as creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses in the sector.

Additional elements in the new legislation will see customer protections strengthened by methods such as restrictions on cold-calling and the detailing of minimum consumer standards companies will have to abide by.

Last month, Mr Davey visited a housing estate in South Tyneside that is already benefiting from efficiency measures from the council.

It is estimated the upgrading of windows and insulation will save residents between £200 and £250 a year on their energy bills, as well as cutting carbon emissions by up to 56 per cent.

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