Perhaps for the first time we are being presented with choices on how we use energy. It has not always been like this.
In the 1970s we were not given a choice as the UK moved from town gas to natural gas. Whole towns were switched over and in the space of 8 years the whole system was changed, reaching a peak of 2.3m per year (8,000 per day).
Prior to the mid-1990s there was just one choice for filling up our cars, Petrol. In 1995 diesel cars were around 10%. Only with the advent of turbochargers and tax incentives in 2001, due to a perceived environmental benefit did diesel gain popularity, peaking at 55% of new sales in 2011.
In many areas regulation and technology have shaped the choices we have. Cars need to meet efficiency standards, condensing boilers are highly efficient – there are very few boilers switched in 1975 that are still in use today.
Today’s choices these are agonising for many; if I get an EV will I run out of charge or get stressed about finding a charger that works, if I fit a heat pump will my house be cold, but if I don’t make these choices, am I responsible for damaging the environment.
If we each exert our personal choice, what happens to the last 10% of homes still using natural gas when the rest have moved to heat pumps? Should they be protected from higher prices? Do they still have a right to be supplied?
For cars the market will drive the answer, if demand for petrol falls then stations will close and prices will rise to the point that it is impractical to drive anything other than an EV. The market will have taken the personal choice away.
It’s clear that we need a plan, particularly for home heating, without this the uncertainty will delay progress. Regional planning is one way to achieve this with local people supported and engaged in the process.
