09/05/2022
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES): a crucial regulatory driver to reduce our energy bills
Sarah Kostense-Winterton, Chairman of the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group comments on the forthcoming Energy Bill expected in the Queen’s Speech;
“Energy security starts at home, in the home. The UK has among the coldest and leakiest housing in Western Europe, and a nationwide scheme to renovate and improve our homes would significantly reduce our energy bills, as well as boosting green jobs and supporting warmer and healthier houses.
Regulatory drivers are one of the most powerful levers the government can use to spur action and investment. The Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group (EEIG) encourages the Government to use the Energy Bill to clarify timelines for introducing mandatory Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) across all housing tenures, providing support for households to ensure these are achieved in a way which is fair and affordable for all.
This approach should include a long-term target for owner occupiers to meet the tightening standards for the private rented sector, as consulted upon last year. The EEIG also hopes to see confirmation of new disclosures for mortgage lenders on the energy performance of their portfolios, spurring advancements in green finance.”
Dhara Vyas, Director of Advocacy at Energy UK further comments:
“Introducing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for a range of buildings in tomorrow's Energy Bill would represent a significant step towards reaching Net Zero carbon emissions. Energy suppliers are continuing to do all they can to support consumers with rising costs but the single best way to reduce bills permanently is to make our properties energy efficient - and clear targets like these can help drive the necessary improvements. Linking MEES to scaling-up the smart meter roll out programme will ensure we're future-proofing our homes while demonstrating the positive impact of energy efficiency improvements on household bills."
About the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group (EEIG)
The EEIG is a broad-based coalition of over 25 industry groups, NGOs, charities and businesses asking for rapid improvement in energy efficiency policy for UK homes and buildings. Massive improvements in energy efficiency are the litmus test for a credible pathway to net zero emissions and ending fuel poverty.
For further information please contact EEIG advocacy co-ordinator, Juliet Phillips at juliet@theeeig.co.uk or EEIG Chairman, Sarah Kostense-Winterton at sarah@theeeig.co.uk.
An EEIG briefing on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) can be accessed here:
