Renewable energy experts MCS Charitable Foundation have welcomed the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC’s) sharp critique of the UK’s energy strategy that is published today.

The EAC’s new report highlights “significant gaps” in the Government’s approach to energy security. Notably, it criticises Ministers for missing “a crucial window of opportunity during the warmer months to accelerate energy efficiency measures that could permanently protect UK citizens” from energy price rises.

Dr Richard Hauxwell-Baldwin, Research and Campaigns Manager at MCS Charitable Foundation, who provided evidence to the inquiry, said, “Ministers’ failure to address the intolerable condition of Britain’s heat-leaking homes has cost households thousands of pounds, and misery for millions of people. While the Government has now announced some much-needed funding for homeowners to insulate their houses, this falls well short of the billions of pounds of investment required to make every home fit for the future.

Dr Hauxwell-Baldwin also welcomed the EAC’s warning that the Government risks missing another crucial opportunity to improve energy security when it sets standards for new housing later this year. Under the current proposals for the Future Homes Standard, renewable energy would not necessarily be built into new homes, an oversight the EAC says should be rectified.

Dr Hauxwell-Baldwin added, “To avoid locking in more gas use and fuel poverty, ministers must make it mandatory for all new homes to have renewable energy including solar panels and heat pumps. The vast majority of people believe that renewable energy should be standard in all new homes, and the Government must listen if it is to deliver low bills, energy security, and a safe climate.”