Over half of Wiltshire homes rated as having poor energy efficiency
Rising energy bills could have a bigger impact on those households
Last updated 7th Feb 2022
55% of homes across Wiltshire have an energy efficiency rating of Band D or lower, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (2020/21).
Every household has a rating, showing how well a property keeps its heat in - with Band A being the most efficient and Band G the least.
A lower energy efficiency rating means households will need to spend more on their energy bills to heat their homes.
With the increase in the energy price cap looming in April, seeing bills rise by around £700 a year, there are concerns that people with less efficient properties will struggle to meet the costs.
Mike Thornton, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust said the situation is 'extremely worrying':
"As well as the need for immediate action and short-term support, the current crisis emphasises the importance of improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock in the long-term.
"Energy efficiency and more renewables are the best ways to protect everybody against volatile gas prices and rising bills in the long-term."
FUEL POVERTY ALSO A PROBLEM
Figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy also show how many households in Wiltshire have been living in fuel poverty.
The latest stats from 2019 estimate 21,058 families were classed as being in fuel poverty - where they have fuel costs higher than the national average, leaving them with an income below the poverty line once the bills are paid.
When the energy price cap was lifted last week, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced £350 of support for households, through a reduction in Council tax and a discount on energy bills.
Mr Sunak said the Government's support will help around 28 million households with their rising energy costs over the next year:
"We stood behind British people and businesses throughout the pandemic and it’s right we continue to do that as our economy recovers in the months ahead."