Government must put the public at the heart of plans to reach net zero by 2050 or it risks fatally undermining the process, Citizens Advice has warned.

In a survey of 2000 adults in December, 82% supported the commitment. But only 44% realised they will have to switch to an electric car and only 38% were aware they need to change the way their home is heated. The Committee on Climate Change believes 90% of homes need to install low-carbon heating systems for the UK to meet its net-zero goal by 2050.

The group who knew the steps needed were largely willing to replace their heating system or change their car but most say they need help and support to make the changes:

Of those who know they will need to change their heating system 79% said they would do, but 76% of these say they need advice or financial support.

Of those aware of the need to switch to electric vehicles, 72% said they were willing but 66% of those people would need guidance and financial support.

The UK’s decision to legislate for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will mean 29 million homes have to see their heating system replaced with low-carbon alternatives.

By 2040 all new vehicles will be effectively zero-emissions – requiring major upgrades to Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:“The public overwhelmingly backs the net-zero target. But if people don’t understand what changes will be needed to get there and the process is complex and confusing, public support could quickly fall away.

“We saw with the smart meter rollout how multiple problems eroded public trust in an important technology. Government can’t allow the same to happen again.”

Citizens Advice says:

The government’s forthcoming heat policy roadmap must include specific consumer protections and a programme of support for people to adopt low-carbon heating systems

Companies providing energy products, services or supply must make information about products and services transparent and accessible

Government and regulators must make sure that consumer protections can adapt to a changing market.