Electricity bills should be cut so people feel more benefit from using green technologies like heat pumps in their homes, the government's climate advisers say.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) wants some levies and charges on electricity to be shifted to gas.
Consumers would then see a clearer benefit from switching away from gas boilers, which emit CO2 and are a cause of climate change.
The Committee also wants the new government to reverse the steps taken by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to slow down carbon cutting plans.
The CCC says the UK is in danger of missing a 2030 climate target, which is seen as a critical step on the road to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The
committee is calling for the “rapid reduction of oil and gas use” and to
“limit the expansion of fossil fuel production.”
Offshore sector hits target three years early
However, Offshore
Energies UK says the UK’s offshore energy industry is on-track to meet its own
climate goals and is not slowing down.
David Whitehouse, CEO Offshore Energies UK said: “As
one of the first sectors to sign up to net zero, we’re accelerating the
reduction of emissions from offshore oil and gas production. In 2022 the UK’s
oil and gas sector reduced production
emissions by 24%, halved flaring and venting, and has cut methane emissions by 45%
compared to 2018. This means the sector achieved its interim target – a
reduction of 10% by 2025 – three years early.
“Further
emission reductions will be achieved with the help of major capital projects,
like carbon capture, floating wind and hydrogen. So the report’s recommendation
to ramp up carbon capture and storage projects and boost offshore wind capacity
by increasing funding for future licensing rounds are steps in the right
direction.
"Much
more must be done to capture and store at least 20 to 30 mega tonnes of carbon and
generate 50 giga watts of offshore wind by 2030. These giant leaps forward need
a positive investment environment across the whole energy mix.
“The
UK needs a practical plan to reduce both demand for oil and gas and reduce our
reliance on imports. On this journey, we should be prioritising our homegrown
energy production which supports jobs and communities across
the UK.
"By
working in partnership with our offshore industry, the new government can
create the conditions to unlock investment, support our supply chain companies,
underpin jobs, grow the economy, and deliver on our climate goals. The best
path to net zero is backing our companies and people here in the UK.”