Your Opinion

This page contains opinion pieces by members of the Partnership about issues relating to energy efficiency and fuel poverty, and gives other partners the opportunity to respond to their comments and exchange views.

To submit a response, or express an interest in writing your own opinion piece, please email the Partnership Secretariat

Energy companies dumping compact fluorescents to avoid insulating homes
5th June 2009
The six big energy companies are continuing to dump outdates and unpopular light bulbs on households to avoid funding the insulation measures they promised.

Changes in household energy consumption
Andrew Warren, Deputy Chair of the Partnership, 7th August 2008
Some good news for a change. In each of the past three years, the amount of fuel burnt in UK homes has reduced. Reversing what had looked like an inexorable  long-term trend of increases.

Amendment to Energy Bill - Feed-in Tariffs
Mayra Vivo Torres, Energy Solutions, 21st May 2008
I still cannot believe how backwards the UK Government is being regarding the introduction of the feed-in tariffs. This has been proved to work all over the world!

Grants for loft insulation and for solid wall insulation
Robert Palgrave, Woking LA21, 18th January 2008 

Energy-saving standards must be enforced
Andrew Warren, Deputy Chair of the Partnership, 16th August 2007
House building is no longer a political backwater, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has seen to that. The policy urgency is simple: it is about numbers. It is also officially about becoming more energy/carbon friendly.

Lack of Inspectors Available in June to Deal with Certificates
Richard Leathem, Senior Partner at Rowberry Morris Solicitors, 5th April 2007
The one view I have is that the country is facing a disaster based upon my enquiries.  I have contacted many local surveyors. The number of inspectors available in June to deal with certificates will be negligible.  The market will come to an almost complete halt causing extensive damage to the economy and precipitating a recession.
Responses: Peter Fall (eaga professional services), Richard Holmes (Third Stone Ltd)

Energy Efficiency Measures in Village Halls
Louise Beaton, Sussex Rural Community Council, 26th March 2007
I note that the measures on energy efficiency [in the 2007 Budget] are focussed on households - we should highlight the need the help and encourage community buildings of all kinds towards energy efficiency, particularly as energy makes up such a big part of their running costs.

Long Awaited Buildings Directive Creeps Towards Finishing Line
Andrew Warren, Deputy Chair of the Partnership, 22nd March 2007
Less than three months from now and nearly 18 months late the United Kingdom will begin implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive despite the pleas from some organisations for further delays.

Local Planning Authorities: Energy & Efficiency Bill
Andrew Warren, Deputy Chair of the Partnership, 9th January 07
This Bill is due to get a second reading on the 19th January. It is completely in accord with Government policy but is urgently needed so that councils are no longer prevented from promoting energy saving measures and currently, DCLG officials are actively blocking the policy.

Inefficiencies of PVC Windows
Andrew Eagles, Housing Corporation, 18th December 06
Comments based on the industry sponsored report which suggests that PVC windows save tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

The Energy Review 
Professor Peter Smith, 18th August 06
Comments on the Government's Energy Review, suggesting that Government should have committed to a three pronged approach and should not be focusing on wind power as the main renewable energy source.

Social Housing Managers Ignoring Energy Efficiency 
William Gillis, NEA, 14th July 06
An article about a recent survey carried out by Inside Housing, which concluded that social housing managers are ignoring energy efficiency.

The Final Version of the Energy Performance Certificate 
Vic Harrison, ECMK Ltd, 24th June 2006
This piece states that the training and qualification for surveyors to complete Energy Performance Certificates falls short of the standards required.

Health & Housing Safety Rating System 
Peter Lehmann, Chair of the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, 14th Jun 06
Comment on the Partnership Lead Article of 2nd June, drawing Partners' attention to the fact that refusal by a landlord of Warm Front or free EEC measures is to be taken by a local authority that an HHSRS Inspection may be necessary.

A Chance to Change the Energy Efficiency Landscape
Nicholas Doyle, Places for People, 17th Mar 06
An article looking at energy performance certificates in the rented sector, commenting that the information on the certificates is likely to be over complicated and inaccurate, and the costs for landlords and consumers too high.
Responses: David Morgan (Hartlepool Borough Council), Elizabeth Brogan (National Landlord Association), Andy Frew (Thermacad)

EEC Funding in the Able-to-Pay Sector 
Jake Roos, Acting Chair of the Essex HECA forum , Uttlesford District Council, 3rd March 06
An artitcle about reductions in EEC funding for the able to pay sector
Responses: George Glass (MKEA)

Is Climate Change Advertising Working?
Anson Wu, ACE, 16th Feb 06
This piece looks at TV adverts about climate change and questions how effective they are.

Energy End-Use Directive: Good News for Smart Metering 
Howard Porter, BEAMAEnergy, 3rd Feb 2006
A call for investment in smart metering to give consumers the opportunity to manage their energy use better, and a coordinated approach by industry to ensure the potential benefits are fully realised.

Investing to Save - the German approach 
Andrew Warren, ACE. 20th Jan 06
This piece looks at government funding for energy efficiency and suggests an 'invest to save' rather than a 'patch and mend' approach is needed.
Responses: Gavin Hodgson (BRE)