Members of the Lords Select Committee on Environment and Climate Change have today sent a letter to Lord Callanan, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, stating the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme is failing to deliver.
In response to the letter, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Network Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said:
"This is nothing to do with presenting hydrogen as an option for home heating. The scheme is failing to deliver for customers because, as the Committee correctly points out, public awareness is low and promotion of the scheme has been inadequate. To decarbonise heating, customers need choice.
"It is an accepted fact that multiple solutions will be required. The use of heat pumps and the adoption of hydrogen are going to be needed if the UK is to meet its net zero target. Debates about one technology over another are simply not helpful for customers and add confusion.
"Experience from the last two decades shows us that much more effort is needed overall to engage customers in energy efficiency and how to reduce demands on the energy system."
Press contacts for journalists
Philip Baker
Media Relations Manager
ENA Press Office
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.