UK govt to spend extra £1bn to aid middle-income groups. Check eligibility here

The British government is taking the green route to tackle the household energy bill as a long-term measure. According to the Business Secretary, the government hopes to implement a new Eco+ scheme to provide loft and cavity insulation for middle-income homes.

The scheme will initially be for three years. However, one portion (about a fifth) of the funds will be exclusively used for vulnerable households. The Business Secretary added that people who could not benefit from previous schemes will get help now.

The opposition reacted by saying that the measure is much delayed and much less considering the need.

Ambitious target for reducing energy consumption

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has put tremendous pressure on energy prices. The Rishi Sunak government has set a grand target of reducing 15% energy usage by 2030. Considering the likely demand, tapping alternate sources for a 15% cost reduction may be challenging. A new £18m publicity campaign on energy conservation will offer tips to consumers.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party continued criticism of the government's plan as inadequate and said they (Labour Party) would insulate 2 million homes if in power.

FAQs

1. What is the other energy-saving measure planned by the British government?
The government wants to educate people about the boiler-flow rate and wants them (people) to set the temperature to 60⁰ instead of the usual 70⁰. The adjustment has to be done in the boiler itself so that considerable energy is saved and households can benefit from a lower energy bill.

2. How much savings are estimated in the household expense?
By lowering the boiler temperature to 60⁰, the saving may work out to be about £160 a year in a typical household.