Evaluation of government energy schemes needed

Commenting on the announcement that an underspend in the Energy budget is being directed towards householders wishing to install green energy measures, Juliet Swann, Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

“What we would really like to see is full and extensive evaluation of all the different schemes the government has announced aimed at helping energy efficiency installation, demand reduction and tackling fuel poverty.

“Millions have been spent but it is hard to say how much energy is being saved or people lifted out of the worst fuel poverty.

“When budgets are as tight as they are, it is essential that every penny be focussed and spent in a way that maximises the benefits for the economy, our society and the environment.

“Friends of the Earth Scotland looks forward to seeing a full evalaution of outcomes and achievements of the Energy Assistance Package, the Home Insulation Scheme, the Universal Home Insulation Scheme, the Renewable Heat Incentive, the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, and the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grants scheme.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth Scotland 

t: 0131 243 2719

Notes to Editors

Renewables loan scheme (Scottish Government press release)
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/03/11142409

Friends of the Earth Scotland exists to help people in Scotland look after the planet for everyone’s future. We think globally and act locally in Scotland, delivering solutions to climate change by enabling and empowering people to take both individual and collective action. We offer help to people with the big things in life – helping to sustain a healthy society and environment. We believe that all of our children’s futures will be better because of what we do. www.foe-scotland.org.uk