ECA calls for urgent energy price reform
In June 2021, engineering services trade body ECA warmly welcomed the urgent reform of electricity pricing recommended by The Climate Change Committee (CCC).
The June 2021 CCC report to Parliament recommends that future energy pricing must remove current fiscal disincentives to electrification, boosting the deployment and use of low carbon electrical energy across the UK. The CCC report also recommends examining existing energy taxes, such as the Climate Change Levy, to standardise carbon prices, noting that energy price incentives and carbon pricing will lower the current price barriers to electrification.
Steve Bratt CEO of ECA, welcomed the recommendations in the CCC report. He said, "There’s no doubt that the UK is undergoing an electric revolution. We urge the government to act on the latest recommendations of the CCC report and to urgently reform electricity pricing. This will speed up the switch to an electric, low carbon future.”
The CCC also supports a national electric vehicle (EV) charging strategy, with a widespread infrastructure of fast public charging points. In particular, it wants to see a better customer EV charging experience with more access to smart charging.
Steve Bratt added, “We need an integrated plan to install a comprehensive UK charging network to ensure that customers make the switch to EVs in the numbers required and over a timescale that will help to rapidly decarbonise UK transport.”
More widely, the CCC applauds the UK’s ambitious climate targets but says the UK government needs clear policies and better application to achieve its goals.
The CCC is an independent advisory body that was set up under the 2008 Climate Change Act to advise the UK government on how to successfully achieve UK carbon emissions reductions and deal with climate change.
This article originally appeared on the ECA website. It was published on 24 June 2021.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.