People living in rural areas have been left behind by government drives to make homes more energy efficient, charities have warned. This leaves them vulnerable to rising energy prices. Research by National Energy Action and the Campaign to Protect Rural England shows that rural areas are five years behind urban areas in the energy efficiency of homes – and are paying nearly 55% more for their fuel as a result. The charities have called on ministers to establish new energy-efficiency initiatives to help people reduce their energy consumption, particularly those in fuel poverty, who cannot afford to heat their homes. Solid walls leak heat much more quickly than modern double wall constructions – in rural areas, 20.6% of households are given F and G ratings for energy efficiency, compared with just 2.8% in urban areas. Households in rural areas need to spend more than £190m extra to keep their home warm.
Guardian 19th Aug 2017 read more »
