Thread by @EnergySysCat

To coincide with #fuelpovertyawarenessday our Fair Futures lead @rrchard1 has authored an opinion piece on Low Carbon Innovation and Energy Justice:
es.catapult.org.uk/news/will-low-…

Here is a thread outlining the key points ...

We've got 2 big challenges:

1. We need to work out how we replace over 22 million gas boilers in our homes to meet 2050 emissions targets.

2. Yet 2.5 million households struggle to afford to warm their homes today, according to figures from @NEA_UKCharity.

However, these two huge societal issues are not irreconcilable. In fact, innovations aimed at decarbonisation could be useful tools in efforts to reduce fuel poverty, if we put the consumer at the heart of the process.

But there are risks.
Transforming the way that people use and buy energy, could impact vulnerable groups (eg. Smart tech will play a key role in cutting carbon. But what if you’re one of the 9% of UK citizens that has never used the internet?)

We must preempt problems and act to mitigate them.
Our ‘heat as a service’ trial with @BristolEnergy is exploring the benefits
of buying a warm home, instead of kWhs, giving greater control over comfort & cost and a path to low carbon heating 👉 bit.ly/2DIJEWC

BUT... we must pause to consider how all society may be affected by such innovations.
So research by @rrchard1 & @MatthewLipson with @SussexUni is being published on how energy services and other low carbon ideas could help or hinder vulnerable people. 👉 bit.ly/2SS39FI

We found a mix of positive and negative impacts, e.g. tailored energy services driven by digital and data could improve comfort and raise product performance for consumers. However homes without internet, or renters unable to install the necessary smart kit would struggle.

Ultimately, we must accept that the rapid roll-out of low carbon tech necessary to meet 2050 targets has risks. But if carefully considered, decarbonising our energy system has huge potential have a positive impact on vulnerable households.