Government sets out next steps for Green Deal

Government has set out secondary legislation that will give industry the green light to bring the Green Deal energy efficiency market into operation, alongside measures to strengthen consumer protection, reduce industry burdens, and implement the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

DECC says more and more families are being hit by the rising cost of gas and electricity, but our inefficient homes are using a lot more than they need to. Millions of homes do not have full double-glazing. More than half do not have enough insulation or an efficient condensing boiler.

Most do not even have proper heating controls. Overall our leaky buildings account for 43% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government-backed Green Deal programme will help bill payers make energy-saving improvements to keep their homes warm and cosy. With the Green Deal people will be able to pay for some or all of the work done with the savings expected to be made on energy bills.

ECO, a subsidy from energy suppliers, will provide extra help for those most in need and for properties that are harder to treat.

These policies will boost the burgeoning low carbon economy by supporting up to 60,000 jobs in the insulation sector alone by 2015, up from around 26,000 today. They will empower consumers by giving them new ways of funding home improvements and empower businesses by enabling them to compete for energy efficiency opportunities in new and innovative ways.

Energy Secretary and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey says: “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.

“We have listened very carefully to what industry, consumer groups, and other organisations have told us. Broad support for a managed, tested and careful introduction of the Green Deal fits exactly with our objective to provide an excellent customer experience from day one and a market where a range of new players can readily participate.

“I am determined to make sure that, in addition to creating huge opportunities for Green Deal providers and businesses along with thousands of new jobs, this new market in energy efficiency will deliver the very best deal for consumers.”

To read more go to www.decc.gov.uk