The UK government announced plans to invest £1.8bn in energy efficiency upgrades for social housing, targeting measures such as improved insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. The initiative is designed to help low-income households and tenants reduce their energy bills and lower carbon emissions, aligning with the country’s 2050 net zero climate target.
High wholesale gas prices have forced the domestic energy price cap to rise for the third consecutive quarter, while household energy debts have ballooned to almost £4bn. In this context, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the funding could save households hundreds of pounds annually by reducing their energy consumption.
The investment will primarily benefit up to 170,000 homes in England, providing much-needed relief to those most affected by rising energy costs and helping to stabilize the economy during a period of global gas market volatility.