Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Paragraph: 141
The Government should establish a national consumer awareness campaign that, as a minimum, informs the...
Recommendation
The Government should establish a national consumer awareness campaign that, as a minimum, informs the public on why the decarbonisation of heat is needed, what low carbon heating solutions are available and the changes that consumers may have to make in their homes to install low carbon heating. The Government should require energy suppliers to send this information to households alongside their energy bills.
Paragraph Reference:
141
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.