The UK’s Clean Power 2030 Mission is in jeopardy unless affordability becomes central to the energy transition, Uswitch CEO Angus McCarey has warned.
Despite government backing for renewables, nuclear power and grid upgrades, consumers are still facing high bills. McCarey says this perception of ‘green’ energy being expensive threatens public support for the shift to clean power.
“Right now, many consumers are being asked to pay more for energy without the tools, tariffs or confidence to make that shift,” said McCarey. “Without structural reforms to how energy is priced, ensuring clean power is the cheapest and simplest choice, we risk leaving millions behind in this transition.”
The government’s recent decision to retain a single national wholesale electricity price has added pressure on the industry to unite around delivering affordable clean power.
Uswitch data from 15,000 households shows affordability is the top priority for 76% of UK energy customers, after accurate billing and value for money. However, only 26% are satisfied with the energy efficiency support provided by their supplier.
McCarey emphasised the importance of using smart technology to reduce bills, not just monitor them. “A smart meter isn’t enough unless it can actually bring your bill down,” he said, highlighting Uswitch’s Utrack tool, which helps users understand their energy usage and cut costs.
Electricity bills remain disproportionately affected by levies and network charges compared to gas, making low-carbon solutions like heat pumps and electric vehicles less attractive.
With almost half of households not shifting their energy usage due to a lack of tariff incentives, McCarey is calling for the industry to provide clearer, easier tools for consumers to take control of their energy use.
“Affordability is not a secondary issue, it is the issue,” he said. “We must show results along the journey, not just in the long term. Without a credible, consumer-first strategy that ensures households see direct, affordable benefits, the UK risks falling short of one of its most important climate milestones.”
Uswitch CEO warns clean power goals at risk without urgent focus on affordability appeared first on Energy Live News.