The Government has released over 2000 pages of policy and deluged campaigners with countless datasets covering everything from energy price statistics to greenhouse gas emissions. It had been dubbed “Green Day” by Ministers, although that was subsequently changed to “Energy Security Day.”
But in among the noise, what’s actually been done to lower energy bills and provide energy security?
On providing support to the millions of households living in fuel poverty, there was nothing concrete to report.
The energy announcements today could and should have been much better for fuel poor households
I’m not sure I’ve seen much that supports fair and affordable transition to net zero.
A couple of thoughts 👇
— Matt Copeland (@Matt_Copeland1) March 30, 2023
On creating warmer homes through insulation and energy efficiency, there was very little new apart from a rebrand of the Home Upgrade Scheme as the Great British Insulation Scheme and a clear signal that electricity is the future of home heating.
"People's homes will be heated by British electricity, not imported gas" 👀
Potentially biggest clue yet that Govt thinks that decarbonised heating = electrification?
hidden in Powering Up Britain text. pic.twitter.com/YihIKBmED5
— Jess Ralston (@jessralston2) March 30, 2023
There is still a huge funding gap meaning millions of homes will remain cold and hard to keep warm this winter. Previous estimates revealed a £2.17bn spending chasm – based on the 2019 Conservative Manifesto promises.
"It's like we're on a 1500m race but we've decided to walk the first lap."
Mike Childs from Friends of the Earth tells #BBCBreakfast that the government needs to do more than offering grants of £5,000 to home owners to help replace gas boilers.https://t.co/eh2xAY1lV0 pic.twitter.com/YW7WlClGyq
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 19, 2021
Meanwhile, the Government has kicked the can down the road on bringing in minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes, despite consultations on the issue having been run in 2020!
Some almighty can-kicking there… https://t.co/Mmjs6vqQXJ pic.twitter.com/apdICGdnSs
— Juliet Phillips (@_JulietPhillips) March 30, 2023
It was also hoped that there would be a much needed step change on renewables, especially on unlocking onshore wind, one of the cheapest, most popular forms of power generation.
Over 2000 pages of climate policy published by government today.
But they haven't lifted the ban on onshore wind.
— Possible (@_wearepossible) March 30, 2023
Expanding offshore wind capacity is important as is supporting the roll out of solar power with a new task force to bring bills down and meet climate targets. There was silence around ending more oil and gas expansion plans, leaving some to question the point of “Energy Security Day” as it had also been billed.
🏠 Our houses are literally leaking expensive #fossilfuel energy. The piecemeal measures announced today by the government do not fix this. Instead, they're supporting further oil & gas exploration.
It seems #EnergySecurityDay is missing one vital component – energy security ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OdfxkcEWYt
— Ashden☀️🌎💡 (@Ashden_org) March 30, 2023