Small Energy Savings can Deliver Large Strategic Outcomes
Investing in retrofit measures and energy generation reduces the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, a centralised energy system and international gas imports. Removing some of the pressures put on energy systems, especially during peak times, can deliver economic benefits and create resilience for governments, energy providers and households.
Between 2004 and 2013 the average annual household bill increased from £605 to £1,306. This trend is set to continue and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has estimated that between 2013 to 2020 energy bills will rise between 12 and 30 per cent. Paying these ever increasing energy bills is a challenge for many. However, retrofit measures, that reduce these bills, can create energy security for households making them less vulnerable to both national and international energy price increases. Efficiency programmes can also reduce the reliance on energy generation costs. Imported natural gas accounts for 62% of the UK’s energy consumption (in 2015). Therefore, energy efficiency measures can help protect consumers and energy providers against international price spikes.
Energy efficiency programmes can greatly reduce reliance on energy generation and take pressure off national energy systems. For example, between 2007 and 2015 domestic energy consumption in the UK fell by 26% per person; this has been largely attributed to energy efficiency measures. A reduction in energy consumption frees up energy capacity for other users which increases the stretch of energy services across the UK. A lower demand decreases the reliance on fossil fuels as well as reducing pressure on energy systems at peak times, in winter months for example.
Simply, retrofit measures reduce household bills. However, the benefits stretch much further; improving energy security, reducing reliance on international gas imports and fossil fuels and decreasing pressures on energy providers at peak times. Have you heard of any projects reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and making the UK more resilient in the energy sector? Let us know and join in the discussion!
SmartKlub is publishing a series of blogs on the benefits of community-led energy efficiency programmes. Read about an inspiring case study in Nottingham, find out more about our work with the UKGBC’s task group, learn more about the health benefits of retrofit, the NHS savings, energy bill savings, employment opportunities that can be made, carbon savings and financial security.