Think tanks says funding for energy efficiency improvements should be taken out of the hands of utilities. An influential think tank has said that councils and other local groups, rather than utilities, should distribute energy efficiency funding. The left of centre Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) North has called for a revamp of the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme under which larger energy companies are obliged to provide energy efficiency measures, like double glazing and insulation, for low-income and vulnerable households. The IPPR North said that take up of ECO has been lower than predicted because suppliers lack incentives to cut their customers’ energy use. The think tank has recommended that the funding should instead be handed to councils and other local groups, such as co-operatives and local companies, which could commission the improvement work. Channelling the funding through grassroots groups rather than energy companies would also keep more money in the local economy.
Utility Week 14th Sept 2017 read more »
