The Department of Energy and Climate (DECC) have announced an Energy Act to support energy efficiency in homes in the UK.
According to the report issued by the DECC, more than half of homes in Britain are poorly insulated, meaning that 50% more energy is used residentially than in the UK industry.
The way this Energy Act will work, is by making home efficiency improvements affordable. The act will remove the upfront costs of home improvements such as new boilers, double glazing, loft insulation and wall cavity insulation.
So instead of paying a lump sum, homes will make repayments through their energy bills. Those already in financial difficulties will be offered help with funds for basic insulation measures.
The DECC also want to improve at least 682,000 privately rented properties, so they’ve been included in the act too.
Climate change minister Greg Barker expects the act to attract capital investment of up to £15 billion. It’ll also help to support 250,000 new jobs by the end of the decade.
The DECC say this act will mean the framework is set in stone for the Green Deal. The Green Deal is set to launch next autumn and will provide homes with energy efficiency loans to install insulation. However, the loans will go against the house rather than the homeowner.
A DECC statement said: “The Green Deal will help people insulate against rising energy prices, creating homes which are warmer and cheaper to run.
“From April 2018 it will be unlawful to rent out a house or business premise which has less than an ‘E’ energy efficiency rating.”
There are many ways you can take advantage of these energy efficiency schemes and lower your household bills in the process. Double glazing, wall cavity insulation and new boilers are just some of the possibilities. These will also reduce your carbon emissions, helping the government towards its 2020 targets.