The U.K. government is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to cutting down on energy costs, and hitting its 2050 net zero goal.
Reuters reported on the government's recently announced plans to put 1.8 billion pounds ($2.33 billion) into upgrading the homes of up to 170,000 residents living in social housing.
The upgrades include installing heat pumps, putting up solar panels, and improving insulation. Low-income residents will benefit from lower energy costs while the upgrades reduce overall pollution.
"At a time when many are experiencing high energy bills driven by the U.K.'s reliance on international gas markets, this funding … could now help households save hundreds of pounds a year," the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said.
The investment comes as the country's energy price cap is rising by 6.4% from April, per Reuters. That will mark the third straight quarter of increases, which is contributing to swelling household energy bills.
"Living in a warm, comfortable home should not be a luxury," said the Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh. "It is a right that has been out of reach for too many people for too long."
Heat pumps have saved many customers thousands of dollars on their energy bills due to their efficiency. Insulation is another money-saving move that can keep temperatures more pleasant in both hot and cold extremes.
Solar panels allow residents to generate their own clean energy while helping to stabilize the grid and providing an alternative to increasingly pricey dirty energy. All these investments reduce pollution via more efficient energy use, or by providing cleaner energy.
The United Kingdom was once famed for coal plants, which have now all been shut down. Renewable energy is ascendant in the nation, which recorded its greenest year ever in 2024.
The country is removing hurdles to facilitate more projects including offshore wind, a technology where it has been on the forefront globally.
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Definitely 👍 With fossil fuel prices rising, the moves will allow the country to rein in energy costs and bolster energy security. It also can play a role in slowing the ominous warming of the planet.
"Decarbonising our homes is a win-win for residents, the government and our planet, creating warmer homes, saving residents money and tackling the climate emergency," said Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation.
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