Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Commit to assessing consumer challenges in adopting new technologies during innovation priority reviews.
Conclusion
We are not convinced that the Government is paying sufficient attention to the practical challenges consumers can face in adopting low carbon technologies and how to overcome them. The Government selected the technology areas included in the Innovation Framework based on the opportunity to deliver major decarbonisation gains, the potential for major business opportunities for UK companies and the desire to create options for how to reach net zero. However, we are concerned that technology development may take priority without giving sufficient attention to the practical challenges consumers might face. DESNZ says it sought to maximise opportunities for consumers to take part in technology development. However, it is not clear that government is giving timely consideration to how the take-up of new technologies is best supported. The challenges can be significant, for example, ensuring an adequate charging network to support the projected rapid expansion in the use of electric cars. The Government also has no research programme focusing on the behavioural change that will be needed to complement the deployment of technologies included in the net zero innovation delivery plan. Recommendation 3: When it next reviews progress against the innovation priorities, DESNZ, working with other government departments, should commit to assessing specifically the challenges consumers might face in adopting new technologies and whether these are being adequately addressed when re-assessing priorities.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to further consider consumer challenges when reviewing innovation priorities and intends to publish an update on the Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework Delivery Plan by the end of the current Spending Review period in 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. the public and support them to make green choices. This includes ensuring that green choices are affordable and easier to make. In summer 2022 government launched a comprehensive energy advice service on GOV.UK to help consumers improve the energy performance of their homes, which is supported by a phoneline and in-person advice scheme. The government has also spent over £2 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles. This funding has focused on reducing barriers to the adoption of such vehicles, including offsetting their higher upfront cost and accelerating the rollout of charge- point infrastructure. Consumer interests and the potential challenges they face are a key consideration when designing R&I programmes. For example, through the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, the Heat Pump Ready programme tests how domestic heat pumps can be made more accessible, deployable and attractive to the consumer. Similarly, the Green Home Finance Accelerator develops new consumer finance models to make the initial capital required for building energy efficiency measures more accessible. The government will further consider consumer challenges as it reviews progress against the innovation priorities. As part of this, DESNZ intends to publish an update on the Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework Delivery Plan by the end of the current Spending Review period in 2025.