Expert commission aims to review energy crisis impact

A new commission, comprised of experts from organisations including Energy UK, CBI, Citizens Advice, and National Energy Action, is being launched to review the impact of the recent energy crisis on UK households and businesses. 

Chaired by former MP David Laws, the commission will publish its findings in the autumn, aiming to provide recommendations for mitigating the effects of future energy crises.

The Commissioners are:

• Louise Hellem, Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI);
• Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice;
• Dhara Vyas, Deputy Chief Executive of Energy UK;
• Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action (NEA);
• Jim Watson, Professor of Energy Policy, the Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources, UCL.

Commenting on the launch, David Laws says: 

“The energy crisis has been hard on households and businesses alike. It’s important that we reflect on what has happened and steps that the country could take to mitigate the impacts of any future crises to ensure we are more resilient.”

Jim Watson, Commissioner and Professor of Energy Policy at UCL, adds:

“Whilst energy bills have now started to fall, it is essential that we learn lessons from the global energy price crisis. This is not the first time sharp increases in fossil fuel prices have had such widespread effects on households, businesses and entire economies – and it is unlikely to be the last. The transition away from fossil fuels will not be smooth, and needs to include strategies to respond to the highs and lows of fossil fuel markets.”

The Commission is launching with a call for evidence and will gather evidence over the summer. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit is providing the secretariat for the Commission.