The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) has raised concerns as news emerges that the Prime Minister is contemplating delaying or abandoning certain green policies due to potential costs for consumers.

Reports suggest that ministers are seeking stronger protections for households amidst the transition to net zero, particularly regarding the expenses associated with phasing out new gas boilers and the implementation of minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES).

Initially, the government had considered raising the MEES in the private rented sector, mandating new tenancies to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2025, and all tenancies to meet the same standard by 2028.

Currently, privately rented homes only need to meet EPC band E to be deemed suitable for renting.

However, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has hinted at “relaxing the pace” of these proposals.

Chris Friedler, Energy Efficiency Policy Manager at the ADE, supports the PM’s goal of reducing energy bills and costs for consumers but emphasises that investing in energy efficiency measures can yield significant benefits.

Such measures have the potential to save around £220 per year and bring £3.6 billion in net benefits overall, along with creating 900,000 jobs and attracting £100 billion of private investment.

Friedler added: “The implementation of climate measures would give us both of the above – measures to reduce the amount of energy required need not be burdensome and in fact, the government must do more to reap the economic benefits of net zero.”

Energy Live News has reached out to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – the department did not respond before publication.