Households in the UK could potentially save up to £1,400 annually by transitioning from fossil fuels to low-carbon technologies, according to a report from the Climate Change Committee. The committee’s findings state that, by mid-century, families that switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and low-carbon heat pumps for home heating could realise savings of approximately £700 on energy bills and an additional £700 on motoring costs.
The committee highlighted that the initial cost of installing heat pumps, as a replacement for traditional gas boilers, represents a considerable barrier in the journey toward the UK’s net-zero goal. While the proposed regulations to phase out new gas boiler installations by 2035 have been acknowledged, the committee has stressed the importance of reinstating these rules alongside efforts to reduce electricity prices, thus facilitating a more favourable environment for low-carbon technologies.
In its latest advisory report, the Climate Change Committee urged the UK Government to support an 87 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions based on 1990 levels by 2040, laying out a path to achieve the legally-binding target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The committee estimates that about one-third of the necessary emissions reductions between 2038 and 2042 will originate from household actions, notably the adoption of electric vehicles and the replacement of old gas boilers with heat pumps.
Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, remarked, “It’s been really hard for years for people, and a large proportion of that hardship has come from our dependence on volatile gas prices and the cost for people of heating their homes.” She emphasised that facilitating access to low-cost electricity and the necessary technologies would represent both economic opportunities and relief for households.
While acknowledging that not all household appliances must be replaced prematurely, the committee pointed out that the roll-out of heat pumps—an essential component—would require significant upfront investment, with a considerable portion expected to be sourced from the private sector. Specific recommendations were made to help alleviate costs for lower-income families and to address concerns regarding the technology, including its reliability, maintenance, and noise levels.
In addition to technological shifts, the committee's recommendations encompass ecological measures such as increased tree planting, peatland restoration, and reforms in livestock management. They also call for responsibility from the aviation sector regarding emissions and emphasize the need for comprehensive action across different sectors, including transport, buildings, and industry.
Professor Piers Forster, interim chairman of the committee, stated, “For a long time, decarbonisation in this country has really meant work in the power sector, but now we need to see action on transport, buildings, industry and farming.” He articulated hopes that these changes would generate economic opportunities, mitigate climate change impacts, and ultimately reduce costs for households.
The UK Government is expected to respond to this independent advisory report and ultimately decide on the emissions cuts it will commit to for the period of 2038-2042. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband acknowledged the committee's recommendations, asserting the importance of a clean energy transition to ensure both energy security and economic growth, stating, “This Government’s clean energy superpower mission is about doing so in a way that grows our economy and makes working people better off.”
Consumer advocacy group Which? also weighed in, with head of consumer rights and food policy Sue Davies noting that while there is a clear desire among the public to reduce environmental impact, many individuals face barriers such as high costs and complexity regarding the switch to sustainable choices.
Source: Noah Wire Services