When energy prices soar, MPs often bring out the old chestnut that ‘it’s the war in Russia/Ukraine that is causing energy prices to rise’. This is due to instability and sanctions etc, a myriad of reasons. But the reality is that energy prices can be reduced in many ways, it’s just an excuse for lazy politics.
Read our posts on creating world peace and helping animals in war zones.
The Green Party and Lib Dems both want a nationwide program to insulate every home in the UK (that is not already insulated). This would not only keep people and pets warm, but massively reduce energy bills for both heating and cooling.
Focusing on more green energy (rather than oil and gas) means that England would not be slave to outside influences and energy prices. This does not mean destroying all our countryside with wind turbines and giant solar panels. In fact, reducing energy use is key (insulated homes would need way less energy).
The only two companies at present that sell green energy (without the use of burning animal carcasses from abattoirs) are Ecotricity and Octopus.
Radflek is a simple invention that costs around £25. It’s a step up from ‘putting foil behind your radiator’, and can save wasted energy going through the walls into the fresh air outside. Read answers to frequently asked questions on how to safely fit.
Never turn the thermostat (even by a degree) if it could cause hypothermia. Also use oil-fired radiators over those noisy convector heaters (not only are these expensive, but they heat up a room too quickly and could cause heatstroke in vulnerable people and pets). And also could be a fire hazard.
Take the Free Carbon Calculator
Take the free carbon calculator. Created by an expert (who once built his own solar-powered boat and sailed it around the British Isles), this is fairly detailed, so make yourself a cup of tea, before you begin. You basically get out your energy bills (and readings) and then go through all the questions. It reduces your carbon footprint overall (for lifestyles – walking, driving, eating etc). But the household part could save you a fortune on bills, if you take the advice, based on results.
Mukti Mitchell also co-founded Mitchell & Dickinson, a company that specialises in reducing energy bills for older homes (including listed buildings). From a modern alternative to double glazing to draught and loft insulation, his company recently worked on draughty homes in the privately-owned Devon village of Clovelly, and reduced everyone’s bills as a result – they are all very happy!
A third of UK emissions are from heating draughty buildings. Britain has 27 million homes, so if we knocked them all down and built new ones, it would take 270 years. Old buildings are an important part of our national heritage.
Retrofitting insulation gives people jobs, is far less expensive and uses fewer new materials. Can you imagine how many trees it would take, to rebuild 270 million windows? Insulation can save owners of older homes over £1000 a year.
His company would like to insulate Buckingham Palace, National Trust buildings and churches, that all spend a fortune on energy bills.
How Much Of Your Bill is for Energy?
Although energy companies and MPs say that bills are high due to oil prices, the price you pay is not just for energy (this is only around a third of the bill). The other money is to cover operating costs, VAT and other charges. This complicated structure leads to some of the highest energy prices in the world, by comparison.
Energy companies encourage users to pay by direct debit, based on estimates. But if they are wrong, you end up with the company making interest on your overpayments.
It’s believed that over £3 billion is held in credit by energy suppliers in the UK. Ofgem states that you have the legal right to claim this back, at any time. The website shows you how to do it, and you should receive your money back within weeks. If not, you can make an official complaint to them, to sort it out.
Why Are Energy Prices Rising?
Recent years have seen energy bills go up in homes and businesses across England. While conflict and political tension often get the blame, many other issues shape your energy bill. Understanding these reasons helps you see the whole picture and know what’s really driving prices.
Underinvestment in Energy Infrastructure
Many countries haven’t spent enough to upgrade power grids or gas pipelines. Old systems break down more often or leak energy, costing money to fix and reducing supply.
When demand rises, these gaps become clear, and prices follow. Investment hasn’t kept pace with the need for more power, putting major strain on ageing networks.
Surging Demand from Fast-Growing Economies
Emerging markets like China and India use more gas, oil, and electricity every year. More factories, homes, and electric vehicles take a bigger slice of global supply.
When international demand rises faster than supply, producers raise prices. This global tug-of-war means English households compete with growing cities thousands of miles away.
Shifting Weather and Climate Patterns
Colder winters, hotter summers, and unpredictable storms have a direct impact. When a deep freeze hits, heating use goes up. Scorching summers create big spikes in air conditioning use (even in England).
Droughts and low river levels can cut hydroelectric and nuclear power. The result is higher energy demand just as supply drops.
Supply Chain Problems
Shipping and delivery issues have made it harder to get fuel and parts where they’re needed. Labour shortages at ports or in truck driving slow delivery.
Sometimes, power plants need repairs or fuel, and small delays cause higher prices across the network. As supply chains struggle to recover, everyone pays more.
Challenges of Renewable Energy
Solar and wind power are growing fast but can’t always provide steady supply. Cloudy, windless weeks reduce output, so grids still rely on gas or coal to fill the gap.
The cost of building solar farms and wind turbines (that are more bird-and-bat-friendly) still feeds into energy prices. Until better batteries and balancing technology mature, these early pains keep prices uneven.
Regulatory and Environmental Policies
Stricter emissions rules push power stations to switch from cheap coal to cleaner fuels. While this is better for air quality and the planet, it costs money up front.
Producers often pass on the costs of shifting to greener tech or paying carbon taxes. These changes show up on your bills long before the long-term benefits appear.
Fluctuations in Currency Exchange Rates
Energy deals happen in global markets, often in dollars. When the pound loses value against the dollar, buying imported gas and oil gets more expensive for buyers. Even small drops in the pound can add up over time, putting steady pressure on bills.
