Secretary of State for Energy Security Ed Miliband has extended the Mayoral Home Upgrade Programme in response to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Iran.
He announced a series of measures on 15 March as the Strait of Hormuz remained almost entirely closed to shipping, choking off a fifth of global natural gas supplies.
While the government’s energy price cap will keep a lid on bills for the next three months, market analysts predict that a protracted conflict could cause a typical household’s annual bill to rise to more than £2,500.
Miliband announced that the next round of the devolved home upgrade funding programme, unveiled in the recently published Warm Homes Plan, will be accelerated.
The mayors of Liverpool, London and West Yorkshire will receive funding to carry out street-by-street upgrades of low-income homes. They join the mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, who have already had their slice of the £130m funding.
Low-cost ‘plug-in’ solar panels – which can be installed rapidly on balconies or in outdoor space, and are commonly used in other European countries – will also be permitted for use in the UK for the first time.
In addition, the next annual Contracts for Difference renewables auction has been brought forward to July, Miliband said.
