Out of the political turmoil following the United Kingdom\u2019s Brexit vote, there is a new, focused energy in British politics. Those of us in the energy industry will be of course be watching with great interest to see where this new dynamism takes the sector. There are new opportunities and threats ahead.<\/p>\n
The Conservative leadership contest \u2013 suddenly cut short \u2013\u00a0\u00a0 saw the emergence of Theresa May as the new Prime Minister. She has been energetic and decisive from the start. Ministerial careers like that of George Osborne, the former Chancellor, nurtured carefully through the Cameron era, have suddenly ended.<\/p>\n
Theresa May has been described as a \u2018one nation\u2019 Conservative. This is a term originally associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, (1868 & 1874-1880), who commented on the problem of Britain operating as two nations \u2013 rich and poor- separated by circumstance, though occupying the same space. One Nation Conservatism argues society is interlinked through a wide variety of mutualistic obligations.<\/p>\n
This political philosophy is the reason that Theresa May\u2019s single leadership campaign speech (the competition to become Conservative leader was so short no more were required) in Birmingham majored on creating \u2018a Britain that works for everyone.\u2019 May stated it was important that \u2018everyone can share in the country\u2019s wealth.\u2019 Some outline policies aimed at moving the country in this direction were cited including Treasury-backed project bonds for new infrastructure projects and an industrial strategy to kick-start the economy.<\/p>\n
Specifically concerning energy, May stated her desire to see costs to users reduced. This is one juncture where May\u2019s One Nation philosophy connects with her initial policy proposals. It is also an opportunity for May to emphasise the clear water between her new government and its approach to the economy and social issues and the departed Osborne\u2019s focus on deficit reduction above all else.<\/p>\n
The economic benefits of energy efficiency are well known. Verco and Cambridge Econometric\u2019s 2014 report stated that the macroeconomic growth benefits of an energy efficiency delivery programme could equate to \u00a33.20 in increased GDP per \u00a31 invested. A whole house approach tackling both the heating systems warming UK buildings and the insulating fabric preventing energy waste through roofs and walls will deliver the maximum returns.\u00a0 Regarding improving health outcomes, these returns include a saving of \u00a30.42 to the NHS in reduced hospital admissions and GP visits for every \u00a31 invested in energy efficiency according to the Chief Medical Officer (2009 report). Improved energy use could make the country healthier, and wealthier. Efficiency represents a truly one-nation strategy.<\/p>\n
The threat to the energy efficiency and renewable heating industry is that the many urgent priorities for the new UK Government will push policy development affecting this sector to the back of ministerial minds. The economic opportunity presented by energy efficiency remains, however, and it might just be that the new government\u2019s social sensibilities are more sympathetic to spending money on efficiency-based infrastructure projects. It is up to the sustainable energy industry to continue making the case.<\/p>\n