The role of regulation in driving behaviour change
description
Transcript of The role of regulation in driving behaviour change
The role of regulation indriving behaviour change
Andrew Faulk
Consumer Focus Scotland
Scottish Government – June 2010
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