Lib Dems reveal shocking energy efficiency figures (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems reveal shocking energy efficiency figures

October 5, 2009 3:31 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has revealed that out of almost 140,000 homes sold in 2008, only 4 were awarded a Grade A Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

EPCs are now required by law whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. Certificates are rated from 'A' to 'G', with 'A' the most energy efficient and 'G' the least energy efficient.

Answers to a Parliamentary Question lodged by Mr McArthur shows that only 9,844 homes were awarded the next highest grade. That's just 7 per cent of the total homes sold or rented since December 2008. Meanwhile, over 10 per cent have been awarded the worst rating for energy efficiency.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"It's shocking that only 4 of these homes were given an 'A' rating and so many are in the bottom two categories.

"Better insulation, efficient central heating and smart meters can dramatically cut fuel bills.

"As summer draws to a close, some 650,000 households across Scotland face another winter in fuel poverty.

"Energy efficiency isn't just about saving the environment, it helps people save money and can even save lives.

"It's clear that not enough is being done to make Scottish homes more energy efficient. The SNP has still to publish its energy efficiency action plan, and they have cut the budget for the Energy Assistance Package by nearly 10% for 2010/11.

"At FMQs last week the Deputy First Minister insisted to me that nothing more needs to be done to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty in Scotland. This is an astonishingly complacent and misguided attitude.

"Ministers must not mishandle this issue.

"These figures show that we need more than just government rhetoric and carefully choreographed photo ops from the SNP. They must publish their energy efficiency action plan, because warm words won't make warm homes this winter."