Overall, energy efficiency in the UK has improved in the past few years. While these improvements are notable, the fight for greener energy is just beginning. Gas and electricity markets must continue their progress towards more environmentally friendly production while considering the impact the resulting cost will have on customers.
Projects aimed at developing solutions for improved energy efficiency must be sustainable for future generations. The majority of the programs will focus on the three sectors that generate two-thirds of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions: power stations, industries, and residences. A 4% decrease in emissions generated from these sources between 2006 and 2007 was noted. Projects responsible for the difference in emissions were renewable energy innovations and coal to gas conversions.
Total energy consumption in the UK has decreased each year since 2005, with a 3% reduction in 2007. A 3% drop in electricity usage and 4% drop in gas usage were reported. In order to meet Government guidelines, the gas and electricity sectors must continue to accomplish improved energy efficiency each year.
The gas and electricity sectors must perform a delicate balancing act between the goals of energy efficiency and minimal financial impact on consumers. Consumers are finding it difficult to keep up with some of the highest fuel costs in history. Coupled with an unstable economy, this is a very difficult time for many. Fuel poverty is a persistent problem in the UK, with 3.5 million households in fuel poverty, with a staggering 2.75 million of these being vulnerable households. Households fall into the fuel poverty category if more than 10% of their income is used for fuel. Although 2007 and 2008 findings are not compiled yet, estimates are that an additional .7 million households fell into the fuel poverty level in 2007, with another .5 million in 2008.
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, works with the Government and the gas and electricity markets to achieve the sustainable development targets established by the Government. Ofgem regulates the gas and electricity sectors to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair practices. This agency is particularly interested in helping fuel poverty households and has a goal of eliminating fuel poverty by 2018. Ofgem drives low carbon initiatives and facilitates projects aimed at meeting carbon dioxide reduction.
The energy sectors can be applauded for their impressive efforts directed at reducing energy usage and costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The gas and energy markets have performed an incredible amount of work, and some of their positive results can be attributed to their guidance from Ofgem. Maintained and increased efforts are necessary to reach the required sustainable development. - 15790
Projects aimed at developing solutions for improved energy efficiency must be sustainable for future generations. The majority of the programs will focus on the three sectors that generate two-thirds of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions: power stations, industries, and residences. A 4% decrease in emissions generated from these sources between 2006 and 2007 was noted. Projects responsible for the difference in emissions were renewable energy innovations and coal to gas conversions.
Total energy consumption in the UK has decreased each year since 2005, with a 3% reduction in 2007. A 3% drop in electricity usage and 4% drop in gas usage were reported. In order to meet Government guidelines, the gas and electricity sectors must continue to accomplish improved energy efficiency each year.
The gas and electricity sectors must perform a delicate balancing act between the goals of energy efficiency and minimal financial impact on consumers. Consumers are finding it difficult to keep up with some of the highest fuel costs in history. Coupled with an unstable economy, this is a very difficult time for many. Fuel poverty is a persistent problem in the UK, with 3.5 million households in fuel poverty, with a staggering 2.75 million of these being vulnerable households. Households fall into the fuel poverty category if more than 10% of their income is used for fuel. Although 2007 and 2008 findings are not compiled yet, estimates are that an additional .7 million households fell into the fuel poverty level in 2007, with another .5 million in 2008.
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, works with the Government and the gas and electricity markets to achieve the sustainable development targets established by the Government. Ofgem regulates the gas and electricity sectors to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair practices. This agency is particularly interested in helping fuel poverty households and has a goal of eliminating fuel poverty by 2018. Ofgem drives low carbon initiatives and facilitates projects aimed at meeting carbon dioxide reduction.
The energy sectors can be applauded for their impressive efforts directed at reducing energy usage and costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The gas and energy markets have performed an incredible amount of work, and some of their positive results can be attributed to their guidance from Ofgem. Maintained and increased efforts are necessary to reach the required sustainable development. - 15790
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, boilers, London plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.