This is another example of the demerger of economic and political questions and decision making
GMB, the energy union, has called on the Chancellor to postpone plans to ban gas from new homes until after a proper debate on the UK’s energy needs and who will pay for them.
In his spring statement today, Philip Hammond announced a ‘future homes standard’ to mandate the end of fossil-fuel heating systems in all new houses from 2025.
Gas is four times cheaper than electricity, and homes with a gas supply are one and a half times less likely to be in fuel poverty.
According to National Grid, gas is fundamental to any credible future energy scenario.
“Who will pay the subsidies to investors for the low and zero carbon energy sources?
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary:
For the 12 months from 7 March 2017, every one in 5.6 days was a low wind day (65 days in total) when the output of the installed and connected wind turbines in the UK produced less than 10% of their installed and connected capacity for more than half of the day.
For 341 days in the year, solar output was below 10% of installed capacity for more than half of the day.
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said:
“GMB calls on Parliament to reject this proposal until there is thorough public debate on the energy mix and who pays.
“We recognise the UK must up its game in respect of its climate change commitments under the Paris Treaty – but today’s announcement doesn’t sound well thought through.
“Who will pay the subsidies to investors for the low and zero carbon energy sources?
“Whilst there are some positive and very welcome announcements regarding decarbonising the gas grid - with current Government policy on new nuclear power stations and renewable energy all over the place, the decisions on the UK’s future energy needs and mix must be properly debated. Gas will be essential to meeting UK energy demands for many years to come.
“Whilst GMB welcomes the direction of travel on greening the gas grid with ultra-low carbon gas such as hydrogen, it is fundamentally right that the UK public must be consulted first on decisions that are being made today, particularly because ultimately it is them who have to pay.
“This is another example of the demerger of economic and political questions and decision making. “This is no longer an acceptable way of proceeding.”
