The Government’s Energy Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction, which will help meet our Net Zero targets and reduce our exposure to volatile global energy markets in the long term, says Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Business Engagement & Policy Manager, Richard Miller.
Given the expertise and experience here in Cumbria, in terms of nuclear and wind energy and advanced manufacturing more widely, we look forward to playing our role as county in implementing this strategy.
But there are significant missed opportunities in this plan, which need to be addressed.
The first step in any energy security strategy must be to reduce demand, yet this plan fails to bring forward support for energy efficiency measures.
And clearly the transition to the cheaper, cleaner energy sources of tomorrow is vital. But prices are soaring today, and businesses need support now. This strategy is a missed opportunity to provide that support. The situation for business is dire, so we, along with other Chambers through British Chambers of Commerce, are asking the Government, as a matter of urgency, to introduce a temporary SME Price Cap, expansion of the energy bills rebate scheme to include SMEs and a six-month extension to the Recovery Loan Scheme.
It’s crucial that Government strikes the balance between cost, energy security and net zero considerations, while providing business confidence and support as energy prices soar in the immediate term. While the range of technologies highlighted can provide energy security, those technologies will only deliver meaningful cost reductions in the longer term so immediate action is needed to support business.
Given the expertise and experience here in Cumbria, in terms of nuclear and wind energy and advanced manufacturing more widely, we look forward to playing our role as a county in implementing this strategy.
Main photo by Peter Scherbatykh on Unsplash
