Look before you LAEP: Ending the postcode lottery of local area energy plans

Look before you LAEP: Ending the postcode lottery of local area energy plans [ 2.6 mb]

Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We are the statutory advocate for domestic and microbusiness energy consumers across Great Britain.  

Local stakeholders in an increasing number of cities and regions have come together to discuss, plan and take action on issues related to climate emergency. These plans consider how to tackle concerns about decarbonisation and sustainability - often including energy.   

Reaching net zero will require significant changes to the way we heat and power our homes and buildings. Energy is an essential service: decisions on how to heat homes, cook food, keep the lights on or power appliances have a huge impact on people's lives. 

The transition to net zero will be costly. According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), UK low-carbon investment each year will have to increase from around £10 billion in 2020 to around £50 billion by 2030, continuing at around that level through to 2050. 

According to the Treasury: "In 2019-20 the government spent £1.5 billion on domestic climate mitigation, with additional support of £11.4 billion through fiscally neutral spend, such as Contracts for Difference, where policy is funded through consumer bills."

Citizens Advice wants the government to put people at the heart of these discussions. Improving the way that people make decisions about the energy in their home will not be easy. People need information, help and support to make the choices that will work best for their circumstances. 

Our report is based on research conducted by Blue Marble. You can find their research report here [ 3.4 mb].