Euro-MP calls on business to provide One Stop Energy Shops

Rochdale Euro-MP Chris Davies is calling for Rochdale entrepreneurs to cash in on Britain's reputation for having more households that waste energy than almost any other in Europe.
 
Mr Davies says there is an urgent need for business to provide 'One Stop Energy Shops' to help people save energy in their homes and reduce their bills.
 
A recent survey by the Energy Savings Trust revealed that Britons are Europe's worst energy wasters, but Chris Davies argues that people here simply lack the service provision to make a quick difference.
 
He wants householders to have access to a single telephone number that will secure them an audit of energy use in their homes, a list of improvements that could be made, and details of approved contractors that can do the work.
 
And he believes there is a vital role for local councils to maintain quality standards and supervise the work of contractors.
 
He said: "People need to have their homes surveyed and then to be told what improvements will make the most difference and how to get the work done."
 
Mr Davies, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman in the European Parliament, said that it was difficult for householders to access the services needed to improve energy efficiency. Although publicly funded organisations like the Energy Savings Trust can provide advice on investments they are forbidden from recommending suppliers or overseeing improvement projects.
 
He says that while it is important that those giving the advice should be independent he believes more could be done to guide home owners towards a number of reputable contractors who could then be asked to supply quotations based on the requirements of the energy survey.

Mr Davies believes there is a commercial opportunity for businesses to make money themselves while helping their customers cut their fuel bills.

He said: "I think this is a challenge for local entrepreneurs to get their thinking caps on and work out a way to supply a service to local householders who want to save money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
 
"There's a range of work that could be done. It could be as simple as draught proofing and roof insulation, but maybe double glazing, cavity wall insulation and a new central heating boiler would deliver a quick payback. 
 
"Those wanting to go further might want advice about installing a heat pump to recycle warm air, solar panels or even a wind generator.

"One third of all Britain's energy use takes place in our homes.  If we really want to fight climate change then we must make it easy for people to save energy and cut their bills.  That's why private sector 'One Stop Energy Shops' are so urgently needed."