Government plans to lower energy bills for good

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Image taken from https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/news/largest-wind-farms

The overhaul of the energy system aims to shield consumers from energy price spikes like those experienced during the recent gas crisis, enhance energy security, and address climate change. However, some analysts cautioned that the rapid transition to clean power by 2030 might lead to higher short-term costs.

The government has stated that plans to "green" the UK's power system will shield consumers from future energy crises and have the potential to "permanently reduce bills."

Achieving clean electricity by 2030 was a major election pledge for the Labour party, reaffirmed by Keir Starmer last week as he detailed government 'milestones.'

To meet this goal, ministers are working on a comprehensive overhaul of the UK's energy and outdated planning systems, aiming to at least double clean power sources.

The plans are expected to eventually decrease bills by lowering electricity costs.

However, the government could not specify when electricity bills would decrease, and there is a risk that any benefits may not be evident in people's finances until after the next general election.

It also acknowledged that the substantial infrastructural change required might bring difficult trade-offs, affecting both communities and nature.

What are the changes?

The government intends to source at least 95% of its energy from clean sources, primarily wind, solar, and nuclear, by 2030 - five years ahead of the Conservatives' plan for clean energy by 2035.

The Clean Power Plan outlined last month details a series of comprehensive measures to achieve this, including:

• Increasing current offshore and onshore wind, and solar power capacity at least twofold

  
  

• Addressing the "dysfunctional" system preventing clean energy projects from linking to the national grid

  
  

• Expediting planning decisions

  
  

• Making it more advantageous for communities residing close to new developments

  
  

• Developing 80 new infrastructure projects

Impact on energy bills:

The plans are expected to stabilize prices and shield consumers from future energy crises. This is because clean electricity prices are set for multiple years, unlike the fluctuating international gas prices.

It has been suggested that this rush to decarbonise the electrical system by 2030 could cause energy prices to increase in the short term, as the deadline might increase short-term costs by extending supply chains or raising demand. However, in the long term, the hope is that energy prices will remain stable, even in the way of international conflict as has been experienced in recent years.

Missing features and next steps:

Experts cautioned that making the electricity network 'greener' is just one part of the problem, as the government aims to reduce overall energy expenses and achieve its climate targets.

As a result of the prolonged nature of this project, it is still heavily encouraged that residential property owners work towards their own form of sustainable energy through the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

It is also noted that, in order to meet the 2035 targets, progress will need to be made in the increasing sustainability of heavy industry and transport sectors.

Conclusion:

With the ongoing work being carried out towards the global goal of Net Zero, everyone needs to do their part in decreasing emissions and increasing sustainability. To find out how you can do your part, contact us at contact@greensolarfootprint.co.uk