6 UK RESPoNSES To THE ENERGY CHALLENGE …
63
A recent development aimed to promote the deployment of innovative technologies in the design of an electricity system based on smart
metering and supporting infrastructure. The government is committed
to ensuring that smart meters are offered to every home and small business by the end of 2020, enabling smart tariffs and other benefits for
consumers, arguably putting consumers in control of their energy use.
Given that fuel poverty affects over 4 million UK households (roughly
15% of all households), it is not surprising that fuel poverty and energy
efficiency are the focal points of policy discourse and energy campaigns
in the UK. There have been a number of government schemes in recent
years aimed at reducing fuel poverty: the Warm Front Scheme ran until
January 2013, its replacement the Energy Company obligation (ECo)
scheme (and a subsequent version known as the Affordable Warmth
obligation) began in early 2013; it offers grants for energy-saving
improvements to people’s homes, such as insulation works or heating
system upgrades. The Social Fund Cold Weather Payments scheme runs
from 1 November to 31 March each year for those receiving certain benefits payments in Great Britain (e.g. Pension Credit, Income Support,
Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest). The Warm Home
Discount Scheme provides discounts on electricity or gas bills during
the winter months for those receiving Pension Credit and those on a
lower income. A Winter Fuel Payment also helps those who qualify for
the scheme pay heating bills. The 2015 Fuel Poverty Strategy for England
aims to improve the homes of the fuel poor by 2030 achieving where
possible a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C.
trenDs in energy Campaigns anD types of sustainabLe
energy Consumption initiatives in the uk
Concerns about fuel poverty and energy efficiency are at the heart of
energy campaigns and some initiatives in the UK. They often target
energy users by providing information and advice regarding energy
bills and choosing a supplier, particularly for low-income households.
Between 2012 and 2015, the Energy Bill Revolution/Campaign for
Warm Homes & Lower Bills movement aimed to raise public awareness about the UK’s cold home crisis, and to gain support for making home energy efficiency an infrastructure investment priority that
would also help end fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create green jobs. other campaigns, such as the Clean British Energy
63
A recent development aimed to promote the deployment of innovative technologies in the design of an electricity system based on smart
metering and supporting infrastructure. The government is committed
to ensuring that smart meters are offered to every home and small business by the end of 2020, enabling smart tariffs and other benefits for
consumers, arguably putting consumers in control of their energy use.
Given that fuel poverty affects over 4 million UK households (roughly
15% of all households), it is not surprising that fuel poverty and energy
efficiency are the focal points of policy discourse and energy campaigns
in the UK. There have been a number of government schemes in recent
years aimed at reducing fuel poverty: the Warm Front Scheme ran until
January 2013, its replacement the Energy Company obligation (ECo)
scheme (and a subsequent version known as the Affordable Warmth
obligation) began in early 2013; it offers grants for energy-saving
improvements to people’s homes, such as insulation works or heating
system upgrades. The Social Fund Cold Weather Payments scheme runs
from 1 November to 31 March each year for those receiving certain benefits payments in Great Britain (e.g. Pension Credit, Income Support,
Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest). The Warm Home
Discount Scheme provides discounts on electricity or gas bills during
the winter months for those receiving Pension Credit and those on a
lower income. A Winter Fuel Payment also helps those who qualify for
the scheme pay heating bills. The 2015 Fuel Poverty Strategy for England
aims to improve the homes of the fuel poor by 2030 achieving where
possible a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C.
trenDs in energy Campaigns anD types of sustainabLe
energy Consumption initiatives in the uk
Concerns about fuel poverty and energy efficiency are at the heart of
energy campaigns and some initiatives in the UK. They often target
energy users by providing information and advice regarding energy
bills and choosing a supplier, particularly for low-income households.
Between 2012 and 2015, the Energy Bill Revolution/Campaign for
Warm Homes & Lower Bills movement aimed to raise public awareness about the UK’s cold home crisis, and to gain support for making home energy efficiency an infrastructure investment priority that
would also help end fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create green jobs. other campaigns, such as the Clean British Energy