SME4Labour, Cenergist and Tepeo Fringe: The Need for Labour’s Warm Homes Plan to be Technology Neutral 

1. Introduction to the Current Landscape:
   • Chaired by Sharon Hodgson MP, the session began with insights into current UK housing and energy policies, highlighting the critical need for decarbonization, particularly in the context of housing.
   • The emphasis was on exploring innovative solutions for both new housing developments and the retrofitting of older homes to improve energy efficiency.
2. Technology and Solutions for Decarbonization:
   • David Brissenden, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Cenergist, explained their dual focus on decarbonizing the built environment through heat pumps, insulation, and energy efficiency technologies for both homes and public buildings. He also noted their approach to water conservation, which positively impacts both water and energy bills.
   • Johan Du Plessis, CEO and Founder of Tepeo, introduced their Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB), a heat battery designed as a low-carbon alternative to traditional boilers. The discussion highlighted the need for more flexible energy systems to soak up excess renewable energy generation, such as wind power.
3. Policy and Political Perspectives:
   • Jack Abbott MP, MP for Ipswich, stressed the importance of connecting large-scale energy projects like offshore wind development to local benefits, such as job creation and economic development. He emphasized the need for tailored solutions across varied housing stock.
   • Tom Ross, representing Greater Manchester, spoke about the region's ambitious targets for retrofitting homes, installing heat pumps, and expanding local energy networks. He highlighted Greater Manchester's holistic approach to tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.
   • Harpreet Uppal MP also spoke, discussing the importance of high energy standards for the 1.5 million new homes that are part of Labour's plans and addressing issues in social housing, such as the backlog of repairs and energy efficiency retrofits.
4. Skills Development and Workforce Challenges:
   • A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the skills gap in the workforce required to deliver on these energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.
   • There were calls for better training for traditional gas boiler engineers to adapt to new technologies and the importance of working with educational institutions to provide green skills training.
5. Consumer Demand, Awareness, and Policy Barriers:
   • The panelists discussed the difficulties in creating consumer demand for energy efficiency solutions, partly due to a lack of awareness and high initial costs.
   • Suggestions were made to work smarter with policies (e.g., VAT reduction for energy-efficient technologies) and ensure that policy changes do not artificially inflate costs of electrification.
6. Engagement with Local Government and Communities:
   • The need for a coordinated approach involving local governments was highlighted, with some regions like Greater Manchester already leading by example.
   • Concerns were raised about the impact of policies on low-income communities and the need for inclusive solutions that go beyond benefiting only affluent or middle-class demographics.
7. Q&A Session and Final Remarks:
   • Questions from the audience touched upon the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), demand generation for retrofitting homes, and the importance of a national advice service for energy solutions.
   • The panel called for a technology-neutral, consumer-friendly approach to energy policy and emphasized the urgency to act now on new housing standards and retrofitting older homes to avoid future challenges.

• Johan Du Plessis – CEO and Founder of Tepeo
• David Brissenden – Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Cenergist
• Uma Kumaran MP – MP for Stratford and Bow
• Jack Abbott MP – MP for Ipswich
• Harpreet Uppal MP – MP for Huddersfield
• Tom Ross – Green City Region Portfolio Holder, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Chair: Sharon Hodgson MP