The government is already under increasing fire for failing to act on home insulation. This inaction might even mean massively higher energy costs this winter. It’s already been calculated that gas bills for the worst insulated homes will be almost £1,000 higher than for those with better insulation. UK gas supply is going to remain tight, and energy prices are poised to explode. It has left many more households facing fuel poverty as impossible choices are forced upon them.
The dual-fuel price cap is expected to reach a record £3,958 this coming winter. Because of this, millions of families are bracing for their energy bills to increase by hundreds of dollars. Homes with an EPC band F will see gas bills soar by an average of £968. In comparison, properties with an EPC rating of band C will cover significantly less in costs. Homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of band D will see increases of £420 relative to better-rated homes. This difference underscores the important role that insulation can have in reducing energy costs for our most disadvantaged households.
Experts agree that the best way to save money on energy bills is to invest in insulation. This investment supports the UK’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is well established that highly insulated homes have lower energy bills than poorly insulated homes.
“Setting out a clear, long-term strategy to retrofit the UK’s buildings will not only ensure we continue to deliver the net zero strategy, but it will also bolster our energy security by lowering demand for natural gas.” – Gillian Charlesworth
With surging energy prices, insulation has become a key line of defense against unaffordable energy bills. It plays an essential role during the current cost of living crisis. This is particularly important as specific populations, including the elderly, tend to live in homes that are not as well insulated. Jess Ralston, senior analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), underscored the importance of this point. She illustrated how the quality of insulation can make dramatic differences in energy costs.
“These stark differences between highly insulated and poorly insulated homes show the real-world impacts insulation could have in time to dent exorbitant bills this winter. The most vulnerable, such as the elderly, tend to live in colder homes and these are the groups that are being placed at risk by inaction from the government on energy efficiency.” – Jess Ralston
Although the value of stronger insulation is clear, governments have been slow to act on this measure. Ralston noted that while the Energy Company Obligation insulation scheme has successfully reduced bills by an average of £600 annually for fuel-poor households, the government has shown reluctance to expand these efforts.
The war in Ukraine and the impact of Russia’s aggression add another layer of complexity. Ralston stated that Vladimir Putin’s actions have had a direct impact on UK energy bills, adding pressure on households already grappling with rising costs. The UK’s gas supply is not expected to increase significantly in the near future, making insulation more essential than ever.