Recommendation 23

HM Government Accepted

The Government agrees with the Committee’s recognition that further action is needed to increase consumer awareness in this area, the key technologies and interventions involved, and the priority actions to take through a blend of Government-led and industry-led advice. Strengthening Net Zero communications and increasing awareness will help all sections of UK society to make greener choices. Progress has already been made to raise public awareness and interest – according to a recent survey, a significant proportion of people are concerned about climate change (85% of respondents to BEIS’ Public Attitudes Tracker – Autumn 2021). This has been supported by the ‘Together for our Planet’ campaign to build green momentum in the lead-up to COP26 alongside recent publications, strategies and media coverage. Work is underway to develop and test a strategy for climate change communications post-COP26. The Government is looking to enhance our communication channels to ensure that the public has access to the information and advice they need to make decisions that are right for them. Increased investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice, will help provide consumers with information and advice on home energy performance and low carbon heating. Energy suppliers currently provide the telephone number of the Simple Energy Advice phoneline to households on their energy bills. source and carbon emissions, and how changing energy use can drive down costs. For example, the fuel mix disclosure Standard Licence Condition on information for consumers requires suppliers to include data relating to a tariff’s fuel mix and its environmental impact on at least one bill for every financial year, and on all promotional materials sent to customers. Additionally, suppliers are obliged to offer an In-Home Display to all domestic consumers as part of the smart meter roll out. These displays offer real time updates on energy usage and costs.