British public and businesses back clean power 2035

In addition to concerns about emissions, 71% of Brits are also worried about their electricity bills continually rising over the next ten years. While 84% of British adults agreed that the UK should transition to clean electricity, almost two-thirds (65%) that thought this should only be undertaken if electricity prices are kept stable.

The findings come as new analysis by energy think tank Ember reveals that electricity prices have tripled in the last year, with 86% of this caused by the soaring costs of fossil gas imports. The UK still relied on fossil gas for 37% of its electricity in 2020, while wind power generated 24%.

The UK could reduce electricity costs by switching from expensive imports of fossil gas to homegrown renewable energy. The analysis by Ember showed that generating electricity from existing UK fossil gas power plants is now three times more expensive than from new onshore wind and almost twice that from new solar. Even when carbon allowances are excluded from the generation costs, fossil gas electricity is still more expensive than wind and solar.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,676 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th – 10th September 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).