Commenting on a recent article by the Chancellor John Healey in The Times which included comments on Great Britain’s energy policy, RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Policy Ana Musat said:
'The Chancellor is right to focus on value for money for billpayers when deciding which clean energy projects should go ahead. In his article for The Times he highlighted the fact that cheap energy is the foundation of a competitive economy, and that generating clean power is the way to break the grip of international gas prices on our bills. He also warned that those who want to rip up renewables would leave Britain more exposed to volatile markets and hostile international powers.
'As the Chancellor made clear, his approach is not a retreat from clean power - it is the credible route to it, as in his words, cheaper electricity will make it easier for businesses and households to electrify, strengthening our energy security and helping us decarbonise the wider economy.
'As the Chancellor is well aware, our cheapest sources of new power are wind and solar. He also knows that renewables are already reducing bills for hard-pressed consumers by driving the most expensive gas generators off the system. Wind farms cut electricity prices by almost a third in 2025, and wind and solar have saved consumers £5.9 billion so far this year by reducing the need to import gas.
'The Government’s Contracts for Difference which support renewable energy projects offer the best guarantee of clean power at stable and predictable low prices, protecting consumers from the volatility of international gas markets which the Chancellor highlighted in his article.
'He’s also right to recognise the importance of connecting projects to the grid faster. The National Audit Office says households could be £30 a year better off if Britain can accelerate its network rollout, so we need to step up on building new grid as a matter of urgency, both to cut bills and strengthen our energy security'.
Source: RenewableUK
