Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget speech, Energy UK’s chief executive, Dhara Vyas said:
“Support for energy bill payers is long overdue. The energy industry has for some time called for action to remove policy costs and bring down bills. So we warmly welcome the announcement today from the Chancellor, which will give customers some respite from the high energy costs that far too many households have struggled with over recent years.
“Investing in clean power will protect customers from volatile prices and lead to more stable bills in the future. But people are struggling now, and reducing bills for all customers is an important first step. We now hope to see further progress toward both tackling the current record levels of customer debt and introducing better targeted support for those most in need.
“It’s crucial that the Government delivers on the promise of the Warm Homes Plan. The proposal to cut the ECO programme significantly reduces the overall funding available for vital home improvements that would lower bills. It will also have an impact on the companies and supply chains that have made plans to invest and recruit and have again been hit by a change in policy.
“A focus on electrifying homes, businesses, and transport, as well as continuing to work towards making homes energy efficient, are all crucial to ensuring millions more people can live in warmth and comfort, particularly low-income customers who suffer the most from poor housing.”