Research examining how to discourage homeowners from increasing heating use after installing energy-efficient improvements was commissioned by Officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The study, carried out in February 2024 by London Economics under the previous Conservative administration, reviewed academic evidence on consumer behaviour and proposed potential interventions.
These included the use of smart meters to “circumvent habits” and the consideration of environmental taxes.
The 29-page report, published on a Government website last week, examined the concept of “comfort taking”, where households use more energy after installing measures such as insulation or double glazing rather than reducing consumption.
Researchers warned such behaviour could limit the environmental benefits of efficiency upgrades and potentially affect progress towards net zero targets if widely adopted.
The study referenced theories of “moral licensing” to explain the trend, where individuals may justify increased energy use after taking environmentally positive actions.
However, the report stated this phenomenon “has not been widely studied or observed in the context of energy efficiency”.
To promote what it described as “pro-environmental behaviours”, the research suggested behavioural interventions including visual prompts and consumer nudges.
Net Zero study explored smart meter ‘nudges’ to curb home heating use
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Proposals included colour-coded smart meter displays to signal higher energy use and stickers placed on newly installed boilers.
The study also explored the option of an environmental levy to offset reduced energy costs following upgrades, although it warned such measures could have “perverse consequences”.
Richard Tice criticised the findings, saying: “More evidence that Tories were responsible for more nanny state initiatives within the ‘net stupid zero’ madness.”
He added: “They wanted to dictate how you live your lives, and tax you even more as a penalty if you used too much energy per person.”
More than 40 million smart meters have been installed in British homes
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GETTYMr Tice said: “People should never forget what the Conservatives did to us.”
The Conservative Party declined to comment.
A Government spokesman said the research does not represent current policy and confirmed ministers have no plans to implement the proposals.
The spokesman added the work was commissioned under the previous administration before the last general election.
The study also explored the option of an environmental levy to offset reduced energy costs
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More than 40 million smart meters have been installed in British homes since the rollout began in 2011.
The report also noted increased energy use could be beneficial in some cases, particularly where homes had previously been unable to reach “sufficient and healthy” heating levels.
It added households may choose to maintain a comfortable temperature for visitors or continue existing heating patterns after upgrades.
The study concluded any measures aimed at reducing comfort taking should focus on properties already meeting efficiency standards while ensuring vulnerable households are protected.