A Prescription for UK Energy - EUA's Manifesto

A Prescription for UK energy

Foreward

The UK is facing an energy crisis. As consumers, we want our energy to be affordable. As a society, we want our supplies to be secure and reliable. And as responsible global citizens, we want our energy to be clean, green and low-carbon, too – the so called energy trilemma.

With rising prices, tough carbon-reduction targets, and mounting political uncertainty ahead of the next election, energy has become a critical issue for government. Each party needs to find solutions to our energy sustainability, affordability and security issues.

As Chief Executive of a leading trade association operating in the energy sector, I am acutely aware that we are in a strong position to help the incoming Government, regardless of colour, to deliver an energy strategy that will work for us all.

Together with our members we have put together a list of critical actions –

‘A Prescription for UK energy’

‘A Prescription for UK energy’ EUA is calling on the UK Government to: Invest to achieve improved security of supply Improve energy efficiency to reduce emissions and cut fuel bills Recognise the role of energy in people’s health and well-being

Invest to achieve improved security of supply 1. Review the case for strategic investment in long term gas storage for the UK. 2. Develop stringent regulations to safeguard the environment and allow the production of shale gas.

3. Incentivise the production and use of green gas including BioSNG. 4. Extend the gas grid by a minimum of 20,000 properties each year.

5. Encourage the uptake of high quality apprenticeships in the sector and its supply chain.

Improve energy efficiency to reduce emissions and cut fuel bills 1. Commit to a universal smart meter roll out by 2020.

2. Include all heating controls in any future energy efficiency programmes.

3. Regulate to ensure that all new build properties are renewable ready.

4. Introduce a domestic and non-domestic scrappage scheme for boilers and hot water tanks.

5. Review the SAP mechanism to provide flexibility to incorporate new technologies as they are developed.

6. Remove unnecessary red tape for heating installers – namely MCS and PAS 2030 and adopt current industry standards to certify installers when implementing government policy.

7. Commit to achieve EPC rating E in the private rented sector by 2020.

8. Give greater priority to energy efficiency programmes for non-domestic properties.

9. Replace levies on electricity bills that fund energy policies directly with taxpayer funded schemes.

Recognise the role of energy in people’s health and well-being 1. Make CO alarms mandatory in all new UK buildings and fund research into the health impacts of non fatal levels of CO exposure.

2. Build 200,000 new homes each year.

3. Establish joint industry government roundtables to ensure all new and refurbished buildings incorporate the most energy efficient technology.

4. Ensure all Government policies reflect the impact of energy on health and well-being.

5. Apply a consistent and cost effective Permit Scheme for streetworks and consult on the establishment of a Street Works Commissioner for England and Wales.

6. Help to develop the market for gas-powered commercial vehicles to improve air quality in UK cities.

7. Pay the Winter Fuel Allowance in the summer months to enable oil customers to take advantage of lower costs.

Founded in 1905, the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) is a not-for-profit trade association that provides a leading industry voice to help shape the future policy direction within the energy and utilities sector.

Using our wealth of expertise and over 100 years of experience, we act to further the best interests of our members and the wider community, in working towards a sustainable, energy secure and energy efficient future.

EUA has five organisational divisions -

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ICOM

Energy Association

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