National Public Energy Agency: call for evidence

The key to achieving the transformational change is collaborative working between the Scottish Government, Industry, supply chain and DNOs. This will allow for any identified challenges to be discussed and resolved early in the delivery process.

Open up discussions to wider industry stakeholders in order to find solutions to the evident challenges ahead.

There is an opportunity through the establishment of the Agency to create a 'joined up' approach between all stakeholders leading to a smooth transition of the heat decarbonisation in Scotland.

Some of the key areas of challenges include the lack of understanding and acceptance from consumers regarding the transition. Currently there has been little engagement with people to help them to understand the impact and change that they will experience during the transition. HFS welcomes the Agency's commitment to produce an extensive programme of engagement and education to the public. However, we have concerns that the late introduction of the Agency means the timescales set out for decarbonisation are unrealistic.

Due to the impact of COVID and BREXIT, the home building industry is experiencing significant delays and increase of price in materials. This will have a direct impact on the ability to deliver the proposed changes. The Heat in Building strategy has pledged to expand the Scottish Government's work with the supply chain including the co-production of the Supply Chain Delivery Plan.

HFS are unaware of any case studies which are relevant to the establishment of the Agency.

Transparency and honesty regarding the financial and practical aspects of decarbonisation are essential. Consumer engagement from the outset, with concerns/views being used to shape the delivery of decarbonisation. Realistic timescales with room for the anticipated delays are crucial.

The Agency will need the full support of its partners across government, industry and the wider supply chain to effectively establish leadership and the delivery of heat decarbonisation. No one party can deliver this in isolation.

It will be important to ensure co-ordination with agencies across the UK as the industry and supply chains are UK wide.

It is essential that the Agency works closely with the home building industry, supply chain and DNOs. Creating a jointly prepared Scottish Government/sector route map and working groups (representing all stakeholders) will ensure the smoothest possible transition.

As the representative body for the home building industry we envisage a close relationship with the agency in terms of advising what is / isn't possible technically or commercially feasible, agreeing appropriate timetables and route maps for delivery and dissemination of information to our members.

We are keen to be an active participant in the development of the agency to ensure the views of the homebuilding sector who will have to physically deliver on the decarbonisation of our homes is at the forefront of considerations.

Practical issues regarding supply chains and labour / skills availability must be considered from the outset to ensure that the route map is realistic and deliverable.