Energy efficiency key tool for PM’s growth plans, says Flint

Energy efficiency is better suited than any other area of activity to deliver Liz Truss’ economic growth ambitions, the recently appointed chair of the statutory Committee on Fuel Poverty (CFP) has told Utility Week.

Caroline Flint, a former shadow secretary of state for energy and climate change, was appointed to head the CFP after her predecessor David Blakemore stepped down earlier this year.

In an interview with Utility Week, she said that efforts to boost energy efficiency are a good match for new prime minister Truss’ goal to improve the growth rate of the UK economy, which are due to be fleshed out by chancellor of the exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng in a fiscal statement to the House of Commons on Friday.

Flint said: “The prime minister is very keen on growth. I can’t think of another area that has more potential for growth. You can create the jobs and the training. Lots of businesses are champing at the bit to be given the certainty and confidence that this is an area the government and investors will get behind if they’re given long-term direction on how it’s going to work and be supported by regulation.”

The former Labour MP also said that “nobody knows more than” Kwarteng how important energy efficiency is for tackling issues, such as fuel poverty and energy security, due to his recent experience as business and energy secretary.

“It is a no brainer to be honest and it is one of those really important invest to save policies that just speaks for itself.”

Flint, who campaigned for the introduction of an energy price cap prior to losing her Doncaster parliamentary seat at the last general election, said that bills could have been “even higher” without the measure.

But in the longer term, there should be a fresh look at introducing a social tariff for poorer customers who struggle to pay market rates for gas and electricity, she said: “When we come out of this crisis, there is a discussion to be had about how we continue to help people with their bills.

“There is a discussion to be had about whether in the future a social tariff should be considered again.”