During the past several years, great strides have been made in improving the UKs energy efficiency ratings. This is only the beginning of a long-term commitment for achieving a low carbon economy. The nations gas and energy sectors are obligated to advance their efforts in the area of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while, at the same time, limiting the burdens placed on consumers.

During the past several years, great strides have been made in improving the UKs energy efficiency ratings. This is only the beginning of a long-term commitment for achieving a low carbon economy. The nations gas and energy sectors are obligated to advance their efforts in the area of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while, at the same time, limiting the burdens placed on consumers.

Gas and electricity projects related to energy conservation and lower greenhouse gas emissions must meet Government requirements year after year. Power stations combined with industries and residences contribute 66% of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions. Programs piloted by the gas and electricity sectors in 2006 and 2007 resulted in an emissions decrease of 4%. These programs concentrated on coal to gas conversion and renewable energy projects.

Total energy consumption in the UK has decreased each year since 2005, with a 3% reduction in 2007. A 3% drop in electricity usage and 4% drop in gas usage were reported. In order to meet Government guidelines, the gas and electricity sectors must continue to accomplish improved energy efficiency each year.

The gas and electricity sectors must perform a delicate balancing act between the goals of energy efficiency and minimal financial impact on consumers. Consumers are finding it difficult to keep up with some of the highest fuel costs in history. Coupled with an unstable economy, this is a very difficult time for many. Fuel poverty is a persistent problem in the UK, with 3.5 million households in fuel poverty, with a staggering 2.75 million of these being vulnerable households. Households fall into the fuel poverty category if more than 10% of their income is used for fuel. Although 2007 and 2008 findings are not compiled yet, estimates are that an additional .7 million households fell into the fuel poverty level in 2007, with another .5 million in 2008.

Ofgem (the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) organizes efforts between the Government and energy sectors for sustainable development programs. Energy efficiency goals as well as consumer protection are managed by the agency. Fuel poverty is a great concern for Ofgem, and they have set 2018 as the year that this overwhelming social issue is eliminated.  Ofgem is a dependable resource for the development, initiation, execution of green energy programs.

The gas and electricity sectors have achieved positive results from their efforts in the past several years to save energy, protect the nations supply of fuel, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and lower energy costs. Ofgem has played a large role in the energy sectors reaching and exceeding low carbon goals. Concentrated effort and further innovations are needed, however, in order to meet the Governments targets for continual improvement.