Post on 10-Jan-2016
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The role of regulation indriving behaviour change
Andrew Faulk
Consumer Focus Scotland
Scottish Government – June 2010
Andrew.Faulk@consumerfocus.org.uk
0141 227 1842
Scottish Housing Stock:Dwellings by NHER Band 2002-08
Why Consumer Focus Scotland is interested: Ofgem predict continuing energy price rises
How are consumers responding to rising energy costs?
• Half report no problems, but a quarter are ‘more concerned now’ and a further quarter ‘sometimes or always have difficulty paying’
• Growing adoption of low cost energy efficiency behaviours
• Less adoption of energy efficiency investments, especially in private rented sector
Both affordability and carbon targets mean we need to look at behaviour change
Consumer aspects of behaviour change
• Sustainable Development Commission / National Consumer Council, 2006
• Regulation, pricing and social factors interact
• Exemplify, Enable, Encourage, Engage
•...and consider ‘Event’
Existing Energy Efficiency Services
• Different solutions for different consumers– New housing standards– Information – Funded programmes for fuel poor– Area-based approaches, working
through trusted groups– Grants and incentives (PAYS, Council
Tax rebates)
• Change needed means regulation of existing housing in addition
Different types of regulation
Issues in designing regulation(s)Which sector? • Private rented, social, owner occupied
What approach? • Set standard • Agreed measures
When? • trigger at point of sale or rental • Set standard at given date
Implementation?• Effect on housing supply• Who is responsible – capacity issues• Support needed for different consumers
Key Points
• Regulation of housing is complicated!
• Needs to integrate with prices and social factors
• Emphasise the benefits – lower costs, better health, less carbon
• Consider practical implementation issues, and pilot new approaches
• Allow for change over time and monitor progress