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Energy networks respond to Heat and Buildings Strategy publication

19 October 2021

The government has published its long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy which aims to reduce household heating and buildings emissions, and includes an additional £65m to help manage increased demands on the UK’s electricity system.

 

David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents Great Britain’s energy networks said:

“Decarbonising heat is a tough nut to crack, but heat pumps and other low carbon technology like it will be key. Today’s plan from government sets the country on the path to a greener future. Central to delivering these plans, and impossible without them, are our energy networks which provide the backbone for keeping Britain’s energy flowing. We are unlocking choice for customers by preparing gas pipes for hydrogen and the electricity grid for more electric vehicles, heat pumps, wind and renewable power."

The government has also announced a further £65 million for the Flexibility Innovation Programme which will deliver funding for a range of innovative projects that will help manage increased demands on the UK’s electricity system.

David Smith added:

“The UK’s networks are world-leaders in flexibility. Simply put, flexibility is about changing where or when electricity is consumed or generated, levelling out peaks in demand as we move to a greener future. Heat pumps, when paired with storage or well-insulated homes, can be a key source of this flexibility. The additional funding for innovation will help us deliver this - and Net Zero - while keeping costs as low as possible.”

About us

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.

Press contacts

You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.