Basic insulation for UK homes could save more gas than new fields

Basic insulation for most UK homes could cut gas imports by three times more than new drilling in the North Sea, finds an independent advisory organisation.

Bringing many of the UK's homes to a basic level of insulation this decade could save up to 384TWh of gas from 2030 to 2035, compared to 118TWh that could be produced by 'already approved' North Sea fields for the same period, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit reports.

This is equivalent to 20% of current total annual household gas demand or 11% of gas imports.

The research group also says that reaching the Government's target for all homes of Energy Performance Certificate band C, could lower the total amount paid for gas in the average home (which is currently EPC band D) by £1,944 at the start of 2030 if gas prices remain high. For houses with a poorer rating of band F, total savings could be up to £5,697.