Thread by @danielrportis

Looking increasingly like #energystrategy will be silent on demand reduction.

Having spent years in gov negotiating for stronger action on this, a few thoughts as to what they might be thinking, and why they're wrong...

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

1. "We don't need a thermostat campaign, public will turn down anyway to save money"

Wrong. People who can't afford to stay warm will turn down more than is healthy. People who can, generally won't. As @ACJSissons pointed out yesterday, overall price elasticity very low.

2. "We can't tell people to turn their flow temperatures down, they won't understand and it's nanny state"

Wrong. It doesn't have to be delivered by Gov, use energy suppliers, local authorities, consumer groups. @theheatinghub doing a great job, but shouldn't have to be.

3. "We can't invest more in insulation, the supply chain is already overworked"

Wrong. It's true that skills are at a premium and boosting delivery this summer is a big ask. But set out a LT framework now and supply will grow for next year and beyond. Don't, and it won't.

4. "We can't afford to set a precedent that Gov will pay to upgrade 27m homes"

Then don't. But use the Gov balance sheet to ultra-ensure cheap loans are available. Work with market and fund information, advice and skills. Use subsidy to tip the balance rather than pay for all.

"We can't spend a more, we're fiscally constrained"

Wrong. Improving the energy efficiency is a) a capital investment that will pay for itself over time b) a response to an economic war. There aren't many better rationales for borrowing.

There will be a lot to react to in the #energystrategy this week. And a lot of important arguments about renewables and fracking and nuclear.

But if it is silent on demand, it's all jam tomorrow. And in a crisis this deep, that's a recipe for disaster.