A new policy report has reignited a national debate around net zero, energy policy and – most importantly for households – the cost of energy bills.
The report argues that Britain’s current energy governance structure is failing consumers, with rising electricity costs becoming one of the biggest pressures on household finances. While opinions differ sharply on the causes, one thing is clear: UK homeowners want lower, more predictable energy bills.
What Does the Report Claim?
The report, published by the Prosperity Institute, calls for the abolition of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), currently led by Ed Milliband. Its core argument is that energy affordability and climate policy have merged under one department, creating a system that no longer prioritises the consumer. Ther report proposes replacing DESNZ with a smaller, energy bill focused ministry whose primary objective is reducing costs for households and businesses.
The report also criticises Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, arguing it has become too aligned with long term climate policy objectives rather than acting as a strict consumer watchdog.
A Wider Political Divide
Claire Coutinho, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, argues that Net Zero policies have failed to deliver the lower energy bills that were promised when renewable energy targets were first introduced in the mid-2000s.
Critics of the current approach say households were told that large scale investment in renewables such as wind and solar would reduce energy costs quickly, but this has not materialised at the pace expected.
Supporters of Net Zero, meanwhile, argue that long term decarbonisation is essential for energy security and price stability, especially given the UK’s exposure to volatile gas markets and geopolitical factors.
Where Does This Leave UK Households?
While political debates continue in Westminster, homeowners are still facing:
- Rising electricity prices
- Increased reliance on imported energy
- Ongoing uncertainty around future bills
This is why many households are choosing not to wait for policy reform and are instead taking control of their own energy costs.
The Practical Reality: Local Solar vs National Policy
Regardless of who runs energy policy, one fact remains unchanged:
The cheapest electricity you can use is the electricity you generate yourself.
For UK households, rooftop solar PV combined with battery storage provides a direct and proven way to reduce exposure to rising grid prices, without relying on government policy changes.
Benefits include:
- Lower reliance on grid electricity
- Protection from future price rises
- Increased self-consumption of solar energy
- Greater energy independence
Unlike national policy reforms, which can take years to implement, a domestic solar PV system delivers immediate, measurable savings from day one.
Solar and Energy Affordability Are Not Opposites
Much of the debate frames Net Zero and affordability as competing priorities. In reality, well designed residential solar systems align both objectives:
- They reduce household energy bills
- They cut carbon emissions
- They improve grid resilience
- They give homeowners greater control
At SolarTherm UK, we see first hand how local, decentralised solar generation helps households insulate themselves from policy uncertainty and market volatility, without waiting for wholesale institutional change.
Final Thoughts
Energy policy will always be debated at the highest level, with some positive reforms appearing, but for many homeowners today, the most reliable route to lower bills is not political restructuring, it is practical action.
Solar PV and battery storage remain one of the most effective tools UK households have to reduce energy costs, improve energy security and take back control of their energy use.
Why wait for Westminster to do what’s right? Contact SolarTherm UK today to find out how much you can save with a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
