Press Release

Energy Efficiency Measures Would Eliminate More Fuel Poverty

30 May 2008

Responding to the government’s announcement about its Fuel Poverty Action Plan, the Construction Products Association has stressed the need to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes as a far better way of reducing fuel poverty, whilst at the same time helping to deliver the government’s climate change agenda.

Speaking about the report, Simon Storer, Communications and External Affairs Director at the Construction Products Association said:  “At this time of ever increasing energy costs, the government is right to help those on the lowest incomes, but it makes no sense to just focus on helping pay the bills.  Whatever the cost of energy, as a country we need to look at a long-term strategy, which means reducing the amount of energy needed to heat peoples’ homes. 

Many of the answers are already available.  It is essential that the low-tech solutions are implemented first; better boilers, roof and wall insulation and efficient doors and windows will go a long way to improving the energy efficiency of most homes.  And all of this should be done before micro-generation and other advanced technologies are considered.  Financially, the return on the investment for these improvements makes a great deal of sense, the people living in these homes will benefit from lower bills and there would also be a decrease in the amount of CO2 emissions.”

These solutions are available now and can be provided relatively cheaply and quickly.  It is right for the government to address fuel poverty, but improvements to energy efficiency will deliver benefits not just to the people they want to help but also to the country struggling to face up to climate change.”