UK climate action has reduced emissions without increases in household energy bills, new analysis by the Committee on Climate Change shows. While measures to deliver a cleaner, low-carbon electricity system added around £9 a month to the typical UK household energy bill in 2016, this was more than offset by a cut of over £20 per month due to reduced energy demand mainly from more efficient lights and appliances.
In 2016, low carbon-policies made up around 9% of an annual ‘dual fuel’ household energy bill of around £1,160. The majority of the typical household bill resulted from wholesale, transmission and distribution costs which are unrelated to the Government’s low-carbon policies to meet UK carbon budgets and contribute to global efforts to tackle climate change.
The report finds that:
- In 2016, low carbon-policies made up around 9% of an annual ‘dual fuel’ household energy bill of around £1,160.
- Improvements in energy efficiency have saved the typical UK household around £290 per year since 2008.
- Some energy-intensive manufacturing sectors face higher costs from climate policies but those deemed most ‘at risk’ are largely compensated for those costs.
- There is a range of opportunities for UK business arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Read the full report
Energy-Prices-and-Bills-Committee-on-Climate-Change-March-2017
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