Most UK households support Edward Miliband’s push to net zero, but only if energy bills do not rise any further, a survey suggested.
This week, Mr Miliband was told his net zero plans were a “fantasy”, and that the cost and timeline of the goal had been hugely underestimated.
Michael Kelly, emeritus professor of technology at Cambridge University, sent the Energy Secretary a detailed letter outlining why he believes the green plans will never be achieved.
A survey of over 2,000 Brits earlier this month found the majority was more worried about the ongoing cost of living crisis and the prospect of rising energy bills than the transition to net zero.
In the survey, 88% said cutting energy bills was the number one way for the Government to support them, while 71% said they would continue to support the net zero transition but only if energy bills do not rise any further
65% of net zero opponents said they would support net zero if it cuts bills.
Octopus, which carried out the survey, is calling for market reform to reduce household energy bills in every region.
While more than twice as many people support net zero than don’t (43% vs. 20%), seven out of 10 supporters (71%) said their backing hinges on energy prices not rising.
Lower bills would boost public support for net zero even among sceptics. A staggering 65% of people who currently oppose net zero would reconsider their position if the policy led to lower bills.
The UK has among the highest electricity prices in Europe, with household electricity costing almost 25p per kilowatt-hour, said Octopus.
The energy supplier said the outdated UK energy system, which relies on a single national price for energy, means households pay millions each month to shut down Scottish wind farms when it’s windy and turn on gas power stations in southern England instead.
Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, said: “British people support net zero, but not if bills rise. We need to reform the market urgently to maintain public backing for cutting emissions.
“Clean energy can be cheaper to generate, but our outdated market means consumers don’t benefit.
“Billpayers are forking out billions to switch off wind farms on windy days while households and industry struggle with high bills – instead of enjoying cheaper energy.
“A modern market could save tens of billions over the next 15 years.”
This comes as gas and electricity bills are going up again this year, following the latest energy price cap taking effect.
