Rapid route to cutting UK dependence on gas
The UK could eliminate all need for imports of Russian gas this year through a combination of energy efficiency, expanding renewable power generation, and a campaign to help people change their behaviour, says independent climate change think tank E3G in a new report.
The briefing sets out nine steps the government could take immediately, using existing policies and mechanisms, to cut Russian imports by 80% this year and save an average of £150 per household.
1. Increase support for energy efficiency through existing schemes
2. Accelerate take-up of the most efficient appliances
3. Launch a major new public information campaign
4. Expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to speed up the electrification of heat
5. Remove the tax penalties holding back energy saving home upgrades
6. Lower bills and incentivise electrification by removing legacy policy costs
7. Introduce a comprehensive training offer to fill skills gaps
8. Incentivise energy efficiency upgrades by amending the stamp duty system
9. Accelerate the phase-out of gas boilers in new build homes
E3G argues for a step-change in the pace of investment in secure, clean energy – fast tracking new solar and onshore wind – and a plan to move away from dependence on fossil fuels.
The report urges the government to use the Spring Statement and the energy supply strategy to cut household energy use through existing policies and mechanisms. It recommends that the Home Upgrade Grant and social housing and public sector decarbonisation funds should be funded at the level promised in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, which is currently £2bn short of the mark.
The government should also build upon successful programs, like the Local Authority Delivery scheme, which could be extended to 2025 and boosted by £1.8bn in further funding.
It also calls for a public awareness campaign to promote simple measures such as turning down the flow temperature on condensing boilers, without impacting on household comfort, or more ambitious actions such as installing a heat pump. The £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) will currently support 90,000 heat pumps by 2025, but E3G argues it could see over 800,000 units installed if funding were increased to £4.15bn.
In terms of incentives, VAT on green home measures could be reduced or removed.
Taken together, the recommended measures could cut gas demand equivalent to 80% of Russian imports this year, and 149% of imports by 2025, enabling more UK gas exports to flow into supporting EU neighbours.
Colm Britchfield, researcher at E3G, said: “With government support, ordinary UK households can play a huge role in cutting Putin out of our energy system. The Home Energy Security Plan would quickly boost investment in energy efficiency and heat pumps and help cushion the impact of rising energy prices.”
Pedro Guertler, programme leader at E3G, said: “The UK government must act now to permanently convert fossil gas dependency and profits into reduced living costs for all. The government has the tools to make big gains on security through energy efficiency measures for households this year. We must seize the opportunity at the upcoming Spring Statement.”
