Energy efficiency in the UK is set to receive a boost after the government revealed \u00a335 million is on standby for homes and businesses. <\/p>\n
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) made the announcement and said they\u2019ll help homes reduce energy bills and keep them down. <\/p>\n
Chris Huhne also mentioned that there were plans to help the green energy suppliers as they try to compete with the \u2018big six\u2019. <\/p>\n
While the DECC have said it\u2019s too early to reveal any details about the \u00a335 million fund, they did say it\u2019s part of the government\u2019s \u00a3200 million Spending Review.
\n
\nThis war chest was announced in November 2010 as a way to help homes and businesses improve their energy efficiency. This could be through measures such as double glazing, loft lagging or wall cavity insulation. <\/p>\n
Both commercial and domestic buildings account for a large proportion of carbon emissions. Commercial buildings in the UK emit 18% of the country\u2019s carbon, while homes are responsible for 24%. <\/p>\n
The government has clearly made home insulation one of its priorities and the coalition is looking to insulate 3.5 million homes and businesses in just two years from autumn 2012. This will all come under the flagship Green Deal policy.<\/p>\n
Energy secretary Chris Huhne has also said he wants to get tough on the UK\u2019s energy suppliers.<\/p>\n
The major suppliers have all raised their gas and electricity prices recently, and Huhne wants to give smaller companies the chance to compete.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe best guarantee of a good deal is more competition for your pound. We want to encourage new small companies to come into the market.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s not fair that big energy companies can push their prices up for the vast majority of their consumers \u2013 who do not switch \u2013 while introducing cut-throat offers for new customers that stop small firms entering the market. That looks to me like predatory pricing. It must and will stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Energy watchdog Ofgem will also have a lot more power and there\u2019ll be measures introduced to make sure customers get a better deal. <\/p>\n
Huhne said: \u201cI want to help households save money. With simpler charging; clearer bills; quicker switching.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Energy efficiency in the UK is set to receive a boost after the government revealed \u00a335 million is on standby for homes and businesses. The … <\/p>\n