Energy One Stop Shops welcomed
December 8, 2007 12:00 AM
A North West Euro-MP has welcomed government plans for 'One Stop Energy Shops' to help households save energy in their homes and reduce their bills.
With around 30% of British carbon dioxide emissions coming from domestic properties, Britons are Europe's worst energy wasters. But Euro-MP Chris Davies argues that people here simply lack the service provision to make a quick difference.
Last year the Liberal Democrat MEP called for a new scheme that would give householders access to a single telephone number to secure them an audit of energy use in their homes, a list of improvements that could be made, and details of approved contractors that can do the work.
Although publicly funded organisations like the Energy Savings Trust can provide advice on investments they are forbidden from recommending suppliers or overseeing improvement projects.
But now environment secretary, Hilary Benn, has announced that the government is examining ways to create one point of call for energy improvements using existing schemes.
Chris Davies, his party's environment spokesman in the European Parliament, has welcomed the news and hopes it will address the difficulty for householders to access the services needed.
He said: "One third of all Britain's energy use takes place in our homes. If we really want to fight climate change then we must make it easy for people to save energy and cut their bills. That's why private sector 'One Stop Energy Shops' are so urgently needed."
Energy saving measures are regarded as the most cost-effective means of reducing CO2 emissions with the cost of installing loft insulation often being met by reduced electricity or gas consumption within 1 year and cavity wall insulation within 2 years.
Mr Davies believes there is a commercial opportunity for businesses to make money themselves while helping their customers cut their fuel bills.
"I think this is a challenge for local entrepreneurs to get their thinking caps on and work out a way to supply a service to local householders who want to save money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes."
"There's a range of work that could be done," he says. "It could be as simple as draught proofing and roof insulation, but maybe double glazing, cavity wall insulation and a new central heating boiler would deliver a quick payback.
"Those wanting to go further might want advice about installing a heat pump to recycle warm air, solar panels or even a wind generator.
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