Understanding the barriers and enablers to supporting fuel poor households achieve net zero
This research explores the barriers and enablers for fuel poor households in the net zero transition.
Applies to England
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This research, undertaken by the Centre for Sustainable Energy on behalf of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, provides a detailed understanding of the relationship between net zero, improving energy efficiency and addressing fuel poverty.
As the UK transitions to net zero, the research considers how to ensure fuel poor households are not left behind, or even further disadvantaged as a new energy system emerges.
It was carried out in 2 stages:
- the first involved a literature review and 37 in-depth interviews with expert stakeholders to fill any evidence gaps identified as part of the review
- the second encompassed 6 themed deliberative workshops with a similar group of expert stakeholders to explore findings in depth
While the findings of this report may have broader applicability, the research specifically focuses on fuel poor households and energy efficiency schemes targeting the fuel poor.
The following key recommendations have been developed based on the research results:
1. The intricacies of policy design should not result in undue complexity across the customer journey for fuel poor households.
2. Provide end-to-end advice and support, which consider the associated costs of participating in energy efficiency schemes.
3. Targeted and specific action for the private rented sector.
4. Harness and empower trusted intermediaries and independent advice providers to support clarity around information.
5. Enhanced monitoring and evaluation to better understand progress towards reducing fuel poverty as part of scheme delivery and better understand take-up and dropouts across the customer journey.