Households in South set to pay more for electricity under plans being considered by Ed Miliband
HOUSEHOLDS in the South face paying more for electricity under plans being considered by the Energy Secretary.
Ed Miliband is looking at zonal pricing which critics say will create a postcode lottery for hard-pressed families.
The move would lead to prices being determined by supply and demand in each area — with Scotland benefiting from greater wind supplies.
Octopus Energy and Ovo Energy say it could cut costs and put an end to paying for wind farms that are sitting idle.
But research by energy supplier SSE shows households and businesses in England and Wales will be hit the hardest.
A poll by RenewableUK also found 58 per cent were against the move.
Critics say investment in solar and wind farms will slow, which could damage the chances of meeting Mr Miliband’s clean energy plan by 2030.
Jane Cooper at RenewableUK said it would create a postcode lottery on bills.
She added: “Ministers would essentially be asking companies to build wind and solar farms with no idea of what their future market looks like.”
Acting Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie said: “Obsession with Net Zero by 2050 will push up bills further, risk rolling blackouts and make Britain more reliant on China.
“Until Labour heed our calls to abandon the mad dash to Net Zero they will only make families poorer.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “We are considering reforms of electricity market arrangements, ensuring that these focus on protecting bill payers and encourage investment. We will provide an update in due course.”
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer today reveals £300million for offshore wind supply chains.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.