Green Deal watching brief

The Green Deal is the Government’s flagship initiative to help householders and businesses increase energy efficiency in the home. The aim of Green Deal is to help households and businesses to improve their energy efficiency, thereby reducing their energy consumption and helping them to save money. In turn, the energy savings that are expected to … Show more

The Green Deal is the Government’s flagship initiative to help householders and businesses increase energy efficiency in the home. The aim of Green Deal is to help households and businesses to improve their energy efficiency, thereby reducing their energy consumption and helping them to save money. In turn, the energy savings that are expected to be gained as a result of the initiative will help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets and energy security objectives. Key to the success of the Green Deal is consumer willingness to take up Green Deal offers, but the Committee has heard from witnesses to its Consumer Engagement with Energy Markets inquiry that there is some concern that take-up might be low. Concerns have also been expressed about the extent to which consumers will benefit financially from the Green Deal if loan rates are too high. Consumers are now able to get Green Deal assessments and will be able to sign up to finance plans from the end of January 2013. If take-up is low, energy efficiency and carbon savings will not be achieved, but what level of take-up would constitute success? It is crucial to track the progress of the Green Deal in delivering its core aims and to learn lessons to make improvements in future if necessary. For these reasons, the Energy and Climate Change Committee has undertaken to keep a watching brief on the Green Deal. Show less