View source for Energy policy of the United Kingdom


{{Merge from|Decarbonisation measures in proposed UK electricity market reform|discuss=Talk:Decarbonisation measures in proposed UK electricity market reform#Merge proposal|date=January 2024}}
{{for|energy use in practice|Energy in the United Kingdom}}
{{update|date=October 2016}}
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}

[[File:Primary energy mix in the United Kingdom, OWID.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Primary energy mix in the United Kingdom, 1970 to 2017]]
The '''energy policy of the United Kingdom''' refers to the United Kingdom's efforts towards reducing [[energy intensity]], reducing [[energy poverty]], and maintaining energy supply reliability. The United Kingdom has had success in this, though energy intensity remains high. There is an ambitious goal to reduce [[carbon dioxide emissions]] in future years, but it is unclear whether the programmes in place are sufficient to achieve this objective.{{Citation needed|reason=The policy should be cited.|date=July 2022}} Regarding energy self-sufficiency, UK policy does not address this issue, other than to concede historic [[energy security]] is currently ceasing to exist (due to the decline of [[North Sea oil]] production).{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

The United Kingdom historically has a good policy record of encouraging [[public transport]] links with cities,{{Citation needed|reason=Claim without any evidence|date=July 2022}} despite encountering problems with high speed trains, which have the potential to reduce dramatically domestic and short-haul European flights. The policy does not, however, significantly encourage [[hybrid vehicle]] use or [[ethanol fuel]] use, options which represent viable short term means to moderate rising transport fuel consumption. Regarding [[renewable energy]], the United Kingdom has goals for [[Wind energy|wind]] and [[tidal energy]]. The 2007 White Paper on Energy set a target that 20% of the UK's energy must come from renewable sources by 2020.

The current energy policy of the United Kingdom is the responsibility of the [[Department for Energy Security and Net Zero]] (DESNZ), after the [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]] was split into the [[Department for Business and Trade]] and the [[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology]] in 2023. Energy markets are regulated by the [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets]] (Ofgem).

Areas of focus for energy policy by the UK government have changed since the [[Electricity Act 1989]] and the [[Gas Act 1986]] privatised these utilities. The policy focuses of successive UK governments since the full liberalisation of gas and electricity markets in 1998 and 1999<ref name="appgreport2012">{{cite report|url=http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/38852/1/uk-energy-policy.pdf|title=UK Energy Policy 1980–2020|publisher=Institute for Engineering and Technology (ICT) and Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies|author-last1=Pearson|author-first1=Peter|author-last2=Watson|author-first2=Jim|date=2012|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> have included managing energy prices, [[Decarbonisation Measures in Proposed UK Electricity Market Reform|decarbonisation]], the rollout of [[smart meters]], and improving the [[efficient energy use|energy efficiency]] of the country's building stock.

==Overview==
The 2007 white paper: "Meeting the Energy Challenge" set out the government's international and domestic [[energy (society)|energy]] strategy to address the long term energy challenges faced by the UK, and to deliver four policy goals:
# To put the UK on a path to cut [[carbon dioxide emissions]] 60% by 2050, with real progress by 2020;
# To maintain [[energy security|reliable energy supplies]];
# To promote [[market competition|competitive markets]] in the UK and beyond, helping to raise the rate of [[sustainable development|sustainable economic growth]] and to improve [[productivity]]; and
# To ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

The scope of energy policy includes the [[electricity generation|production]] and [[electricity distribution|distribution]] of electricity, transport [[fuel]] usage, and means of heating (significantly [[Natural Gas]]).
The policy recognises: "Energy is essential in almost every aspect of our lives and for the success of our economy. We face two long-term energy challenges:
* [[mitigation of global warming|Tackling climate change]] by reducing carbon dioxide emissions both within the UK and abroad; and
* Ensuring [[energy security|secure]], [[clean energy|clean]] and [[fuel poverty|affordable]] energy as we become increasingly dependent on imported fuel."

The policy also recognises that the UK will need around 30-35GW of new electricity generation capacity over the next two decades as many current [[coal fired power plant|coal]] and [[nuclear power stations]], built in the 1960s and 1970s, reach the end of their lives and are set to close.

The 2006 Energy Review reintroduced the prospect of new nuclear power stations in the UK.  Following a [[judicial review]] requested by [[Greenpeace]], on 15 February 2007 elements of the 2006 Energy Review were ruled 'seriously flawed', and 'not merely inadequate but also misleading'. As a result, plans to build a new generation of nuclear power stations were ruled illegal at that time. ''(See [[Nuclear power in the United Kingdom#2006 Energy review|Nuclear power in the United Kingdom]] for details)''.  In response, the government ran "The Future of Nuclear Power" consultation from May to October 2007.  The Government's response to the consultation conclusions, published in January 2008, state "set against the [[effects of climate change|challenges of climate change]] and [[energy security|security]] of supply, the evidence in support of new nuclear power stations is compelling."

The January 2008 Energy Bill updated the [[legislation|legislative framework]] in the UK to reflect government policy towards the [[energy market]] and the challenges faced on climate change and security of supply.  Key elements of the bill addressed nuclear, [[carbon capture and storage]], [[renewables]], and [[North Sea oil|offshore gas and oil]].  A framework to encourage investment in [[nuclear power]] within a new regulatory environment was simultaneously published in the January 2008 nuclear white paper.

In October 2008, the government created the [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] to bring together energy policy (previously with the [[Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform]]), and [[climate change mitigation]] policy (previously with the [[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]]).

===Scotland===
Though energy policy is an area [[reserved powers|reserved]] to the UK government under the [[Scotland Act 1998]] that established devolved government for Scotland, the [[Scottish Government]] has an [[Energy policy of Scotland|energy policy for Scotland]] at variance with UK policy, and has planning powers to enable it to put some aspects of its policy priorities into effect.

== Net Zero strategy ==
In 2021, the UK Government published its Net-Zero strategy to reduce the country's emissions to [[Net zero emissions|net zero]] by 2050 compared to the 1990 baseline.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HM Government |date=October 2021 |title=Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6194dfa4d3bf7f0555071b1b/net-zero-strategy-beis.pdf |url-status= |access-date=16 February 2024 |website=Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener}}</ref> The strategy sets out a path for sectors and industry in the UK to reach net-zero, including power, fuel supply & hydrogen, industry, transport, heat & buildings, and removal of [[greenhouse gas emissions]]. The purpose of the policy relates to [[climate action]], where countries must bring down their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the [[Paris Agreement]] target of stopping planetary scale warming to prevent dangerous climate change. The policy is an update to the 2008 [[Climate Change Act 2008|Climate Change Act]].

== Energy markets ==
A ''Research and Markets'' review estimated the 2006 total market value of UK inland energy consumption was £130.73bn. Consumption by the energy sector was valued at £28.73bn, while the value of consumption by the non-energy sector was £128.2bn, with [[transport]] being the largest component of the non-energy sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS82989+18-Feb-2008+BW20080218 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308041327/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS82989+18-Feb-2008+BW20080218 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 March 2008 |title=This Review Analyses the UK Market for Primary and Secondary Energy Together With Industry |publisher=Reuters.com |date=18 February 2008 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>
The UK is currently proposing wide-ranging [[Decarbonisation Measures in Proposed UK Electricity Market Reform|reforms of its electricity market]], including measures such as [[contracts for difference]] for generators and a [[capacity market]] to ensure security of supply in the latter half of this decade.

==Primary energy sources of electricity supply==
[[File:DounreayJM.jpg|thumb|Decommissioned [[Dounreay]] nuclear power complex]]

Historically a country emphasising its nuclear and off-shore natural gas production, the United Kingdom is currently in transition to become a net energy importer.

In 2011 the percentage of electricity supply derived from [[primary energy]] sources was as follows:<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/65895/5991-statistical-press-release-dukes-2012.pdf
|title=Statistical Press Release.Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2012|date=26 July 2012|website=gov.uk|access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref>

*[[Natural gas]]: 41%
*[[Coal]]: 29%
*[[Nuclear power|Nuclear]]: 18%
*[[Renewables]]: 12%
*Other: 2%.

===Coal===
In November 2015, it was announced by the UK Government that all coal fired power stations would be closed by 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34851718|title=UK's coal plants to close by 2025|work=BBC News |date=18 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=UK coal plants must close by 2025, Amber Rudd announces|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/12001752/UK-coal-plants-must-close-by-2025-Amber-Rudd-to-announce.html|date=18 November 2015|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=7 March 2016|location=London|first=Emily|last=Gosden}}</ref>

[[Ironbridge Power Station|Ironbridge]] ceased operations in late 2015. Then in 2016, three power stations closed at [[Rugeley Power Station|Rugeley]], [[Ferrybridge Power Station|Ferrybridge]] and [[Longannet Power Station|Longannet]]. [[Eggborough Power Station|Eggborough]] closed in 2018 and has been granted consent to convert into a gas fired power station. [[Lynemouth power station|Lynemouth]] power station was converted to run on [[biomass]] in 2018 and [[Uskmouth power stations|Uskmouth]] is being converted. It has been announced that [[Cottam power stations|Cottam]] will close in 2019 and [[Kilroot power station|Kilroot]] will also close imminently.

In May 2016, for the first time solar power produced more electricity than coal, producing 1.33TWh over the month compared to 0.9TWh from coal.<ref>{{cite news|title=UK solar eclipses coal power over month for first time.|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/07/solar-sets-british-record-for-may-producing-more-electricity-than-coal|date=7 June 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=7 June 2016|location=London|first=Damian|last=Carrington}}</ref> On 21 April 2017, for the first time since the 19th century, the UK had a 24-hour period without any generation from coal power.<ref>{{cite news|title=British power generation achieves first ever coal-free day|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/21/britain-set-for-first-coal-free-day-since-the-industrial-revolution|date=22 April 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=24 April 2017|location=London}}</ref> As of 2018, the use of coal power is decreasing to historic lows not seen since before the [[Industrial Revolution]]. Coal supplied 5.4% of UK electricity in 2018, down from 7% in 2017, 9% in 2016, 23% in 2015 and 30% in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Countdown to 2025: Tracking the UK coal phase out|url=http://www.carbonbrief.org/countdown-to-2025-tracking-the-uk-coal-phase-out|date=10 February 2016|work=Carbon Brief|access-date=7 March 2016|first=Simon|last=Evans}}</ref>

===Gas===
During the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a massive expansion in [[natural gas|gas-fired]] generation capacity, known as the [[Dash for Gas]].  The rapidity of construction of gas-fired plants (compared to coal-fired or nuclear plants) was especially attractive due to the high interest rates of the period.

Natural gas looks set to take a smaller part in providing future UK energy needs. Domestic production from the [[North Sea]] gas fields continues to lessen. And despite investment to enhance [[Pipeline transport|pipelines]] and storage of imported natural gas (mostly from [[Norway]]) there is a reluctance to allow too great a reliance on [[Russia]] and its gas exports for energy needs.

By 2021, North Sea oil and natural gas production is predicted to slip 75 percent from 2005 levels to less than one million barrels per year. Oil and coal reserves for all of Europe are among the most tenuous in the developed world: for example, Europe's reserves to annual consumption ratio stands at 3.0,<ref>{{cite book |first=Ron |last=Nielsen |title=The little green handbook |publisher=Picador |location=New York |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-312-42581-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/littlegreenhandb00ronn }}</ref> perilously low by world standards.

A new "dash for gas" was announced by energy secretary [[Amber Rudd]] in November 2015. This is required to fill the gap between the closure of all coal-fired power stations by 2025 and the delayed opening of new nuclear power stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.simplyswitch.com/amber-rudd-criticised-for-focus-on-gas/|title=Amber Rudd Criticised for Focus on Gas – Simply Switch|date=19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/18/energy-policy-shift-climate-change-amber-rudd-backburner|title=UK to close all coal power plants in switch to gas and nuclear|first=Rowena|last=Mason|date=18 November 2015|website=The Guardian}}</ref>

===Nuclear power===
{{Main|Nuclear power in the United Kingdom}}
Following the UK Government's January 2008 decision to support the building of new nuclear power stations, EDF announced that it plans to open four new plants in the UK by 2017. It is unlikely that more nuclear power stations will be built in Scotland as the [[Scottish Government]] is opposed.

===Renewable energy===
{{Main|Renewable energy in the United Kingdom}}
From the mid-1990s [[renewable energy]] began to contribute to the electricity generated in the United Kingdom, adding to a small [[hydroelectricity]] generating capacity. Renewable energy sources provided for 6.7 per cent of the electricity generated in the United Kingdom in 2009,<ref name=DUKES>{{cite web|url=http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/publications/dukes/313-dukes-2010-ch7.pdf |title=Department of Energy and Climate Change: Digest of United Kingdom energy statistics (DUKES) |page=184 |access-date=9 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306062621/http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/publications/dukes/313-dukes-2010-ch7.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> rising to 11.3% in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225043/statistics_press_notice_2013.pdf |title=Department of Energy and Climate Change: Digest of United Kingdom energy statistics (DUKES)|access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

By mid-2011, the installed capacity of [[wind power in the United Kingdom]] was over 5.7&nbsp;[[gigawatt]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bwea.com/statistics/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215094810/http://www.bwea.com/statistics/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2006 |title=BWEA statistical overview of wind farms today |publisher=Bwea.com |access-date=23 April 2014 }}</ref> and the UK was ranked as the world's eighth largest producer of [[wind power]]. Wind power is expected to continue growing in the UK for the foreseeable future, [[RenewableUK]] estimates that more than 2&nbsp;GW of capacity will be deployed per year for the next five years.<ref name="ruk20100923">{{cite web |url=http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20100923-1.html |title=RenewableUK 23 September 2010 Press Release |publisher=Bwea.com |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021113015/http://bwea.com/media/news/articles/pr20100923-1.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Within the UK, wind power is the second largest source of renewable energy after [[biomass]].<ref name=DUKES />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+UK electricity generation from renewable energy in 2012<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225067/DUKES_2013_published_version.pdf Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2013</ref>
!Source !!GWh !!%
|-
|Onshore wind || 12,121 || 29.4
|-
|Offshore wind || 7,463 || 18.1
|-
|Shoreline wave/tidal wind || 4 || 0.0
|-
|Solar photovoltaics || 1,188 || 2.9
|-
|Small scale hydro || 653 || 1.6
|-
|Large scale hydro || 4,631 || 11.2
|-
|Bioenergy || 15,198 || 36.8
|-
|'''Total''' || 41,258 || 100
|}

From 2020 an expansion of [[Battery storage power station|grid scale battery storage]] has been underway, helping to cope with the variability in wind and solar power. As of May 2021, 1.3 GW of grid storage batteries was active,<ref name=beis-20200714>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/battery-storage-boost-to-power-greener-electricity-grid |title=Battery storage boost to power greener electricity grid |publisher=Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy |via=gov.uk |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=solarpowerportal-20210519>{{cite news |url=https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/blogs/top_ten_uk_battery_storage_projects_forecast_for_2021_completion |title=Top ten UK battery storage projects forecast for 2021 completion |last=McCorkindale |first=Mollie |website=Solar Power Portal |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> along with the traditional [[Pumped-storage hydroelectricity|pumped storage]] at [[Dinorwig Power Station|Dinorwig]], [[Cruachan Power Station|Cruachan]] and [[Ffestiniog Power Station|Ffestiniog]].

==Energy end usage==
:''See main article [[Energy use and conservation in the United Kingdom]]''
For 2005, the breakdown of UK energy usage by sector was approximately:
*[[Transport]]: 35%
*[[Space heating]]: 26%
*[[Industrial sector|Industrial]]: 10%
*[[Water heating]]: 8%
*[[Lighting]]/small electrics: 6%
There is a steady increase of fuel usage driven by an increasingly affluent and mobile population, so that fuel use increased by ten percent in the decade ending 2000.  This trend is expected to be mitigated by increased percentage of more efficient diesel and [[hybrid vehicle]]s.

United Kingdom space and hot water heating consume a greater share of end use compared to the US and more mild southern [[Europe]]an or [[tropical]] [[climate]]s.  With regard to building and planning issues affecting energy use, the UK has developed guidance documents to promote [[energy conservation]] through local councils, especially as set forth in Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and power).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1164177 |title=Department for Communities and Local Government – GOV.UK |publisher=Odpm.gov.uk |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825003847/http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1164177 |archive-date=25 August 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>  The associated document. Part 2B, addresses commercial uses, and is generally complete as to heating issues; the guidance is lacking on lighting issues, except with guidelines for local switching of lighting controls.  In particular there are no standards set forth for illumination levels, and [[over-illumination]] is one of the most significant unneeded costs of commercial energy use.

From June 2007, buildings in England and Wales have to undergo [[Energy Performance Certificate|Energy Performance Certification]] (EPC) before they are sold or let, to meet the requirements of the [[Directive on the energy performance of buildings|European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2002/91/EC)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2174 |title=Government launches compulsory energy rating for homes to help cut carbon emissions. New measures could help tackle climate change |publisher=Department for Communities and Local Government |id=DCLG News Release 2006/0028 |date=14 June 2006 |access-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060620142121/http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2174 |archive-date=20 June 2006}}</ref>

==Energy market policy history==

===1980s market liberalisation===
Under the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]] during the 1980s and 1990s, government policy was one of market [[Liberalization|liberalisation]] linked to the [[Privatization|privatisation]] of state-controlled energy companies and the dismantling of the [[Department of Energy (United Kingdom)|Department of Energy]].

As a consequence, government no longer has the ability to directly control the energy markets. Regulation is now carried out through the [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets]] (Ofgem) in Great Britain, and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uregni.gov.uk/|title=Utility Regulator|website=www.uregni.gov.uk|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> while energy policy is largely limited to influencing the operation of the market. Such influence is exerted through taxation (such as North Sea Oil Tax<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4500540.stm |title=Business &#124; Brown doubles North Sea oil tax |work=BBC News |date=5 December 2005 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>), subsidy (such as the [[United Kingdom Climate Change Programme#Renewables Obligation|Renewables Obligation]]), incentives, planning controls, the underwriting of liabilities (such as those carried by the [[Nuclear Decommissioning Authority]]), grants, and funding for research.

===1990s to 2000s===
The UK Government continued to make reforms throughout the 1990s in the interests of creating a competitive energy market. VAT was first applied to domestic energy in 1994.<ref name="appgreport2012" />

When the Labour Government came to power in 1997, the commitment to creating a competitive energy market was maintained, with new Energy Minister [[John Battle (politician)|John Battle]] MP also emphasising the government's social obligation to protect the poorest households and its environmental commitments.<ref name="appgreport2012" />

The Labour Government introduced [[Winter Fuel Payment]]s for people aged over 60 and, in its first major piece of energy legislation, passed the [[Utilities Act 2000]]. This legislation implemented a licensing system for energy suppliers and created the [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets|Gas and Electricity Market Authority]] and Ofgem as a regulator, and the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (known as Energywatch) as a statutory body with responsibility for protecting and promoting the interests of gas and electricity consumers in Great Britain.

In 1999, the process of full liberalisation of the gas and electricity markets had been completed when all UK households were able to switch their gas or electricity supplier. Households were encouraged to save money on their gas and electricity bills by switching between different energy providers, with about a third of gas and electricity customers switching between 1998 and 2003.<ref name="bbcfeb2003">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1578972.stm|title=Q&A: Switching energy supplier|work=BBC News|date=2003-02-03|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> By the mid-2000s, the market was dominated by what became known as the [[Big Six energy suppliers]], consisting of [[British Gas]], [[EDF Energy]], [[E.ON]], [[npower (United Kingdom)|Npower]], [[Scottish Power]], and [[SSE plc|SSE]].

Parliament also passed the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, a [[Private Members' Bills in the Parliament of the United Kingdom|private member's bill]] introduced by Conservative MP [[David Amess]], which set out the government's Fuel Poverty Strategy – defining "fuel poverty" as any household living on a lower income in a home which cannot be kept warm at reasonable cost – with a commitment to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016.

In 2008, Ofgem launched its Energy Supply Probe as its first major investigation of competition in the electricity and gas markets since the full liberalisation of the two markets. The probe found there were a range of features in these markets that weakened competition, but found no evidence of a [[cartel]] or that retail energy price rises could not be justified by wholesale costs.<ref name="ofgemprobe2008">{{cite report|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2008/10/energy-supply-probe---initial-findings-report.pdf|title=Energy Supply Probe – Initial Findings Report|website=[[ofgem.gov.uk]]|date=2008-10-06|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref><ref name="bbcnews20081006">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7654734.stm|title=What the energy market probe means for you|work=BBC News|date=2008-10-06|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

===2010 to 2017: Energy Act===
In the run-up to the 2010 election, the Labour Government passed the [[Energy Act 2010]]. Among other reforms, this introduced the Warm Home Discount scheme, which came into effect in 2011, and which placed a legal obligation on larger energy suppliers to deliver support to people living in fuel poverty or in a fuel poverty risk group. This replaced a number of other schemes giving reduced tariffs to some low-income customers.<ref name="ofgemwhd2011">{{cite report|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/58952/warm-home-discount-guidance-licensed-electricity-suppliers-and-licensed-gas-suppliers-pdf|title=Warm Home Discount: Guidance for Licensed Electricity Suppliers and Licensed Gas Suppliers|date=2011-05-19|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

Partly in response to increasing concerns about the pricing of energy tariffs by suppliers, Ofgem followed up its Energy Supply Probe with a Retail Market Review, which it launched in November 2010.<ref name="ofgemreview2010">{{cite report|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/39708/rmrfinal.pdf|title=The Retail Market Review – Findings and initial proposals|publisher=Ofgem.gov.uk|date=2011-03-21|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> The review found that complexity in the gas and electricity markets was a barrier to consumers and competition. It found that 75% of consumers were on their supplier's standard "evergreen" tariffs (also called "Standard Variable Tariffs" or SVTs), the more expensive default option than fixed-term tariffs that would save them money over a set period of time. It also found that energy prices tended to rise in response to wholesale cost increases more quickly than they fell with decreases, and that competition was weakened by significant barriers that were preventing new suppliers from entering the market. They proposed a series of measures including changing some license conditions of suppliers, to make pricing more transparent and reduce barriers for new suppliers to compete for customers, as well as working to improve consumer trust in [[comparison shopping website|price comparison website]]s.<ref name="ofgemreview2010" />

The [[Coalition Government]] elected in 2010 published their own white paper on energy in 2011, which focused on decarbonisation and security of supply, but which backed Ofgem's findings and proposed reforms.<ref name="whitepaper2011">{{cite report|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48129/2176-emr-white-paper.pdf|title=Planning our electric future: a White Paper for secure, affordable and low‑carbon electricity|publisher=Department for Energy and Climate Change|date=July 2011|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> Advocates for further reform included the consumer group [[Which?]] and Consumer Focus (later [[Consumer Futures]]), the statutory body formerly known as Energywatch.<ref name="hoclibrary2013">{{cite report|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06440/|title=Simplifying Energy Tariffs|publisher=House of Commons Library|author-last1=Richards|author-first1=Patsy|author-last2=White|author-first2=Edward|date=2013-08-15|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

The government later announced its intention to force energy suppliers to offer their cheapest tariffs to consumers, and subsequently made amendments in the [[Energy Act 2013]] to give Ofgem greater powers.<ref name="hoclibrary2013" /> In 2014, the government amended the legislative Fuel Poverty Strategy for England to target improving as many fuel poor homes as is reasonably practicable to a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C, by the end of 2030.<ref name="govfps2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fuel-poverty-strategy-for-england|title=Fuel poverty strategy for England|publisher=Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|date=2019-07-22|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

On 24 September 2013, the Leader of the Labour Party and former Secretary of State for Energy, [[Ed Miliband]], announced plans to freeze energy bills for 20 months if Labour won the next general election, saying the move would save average households £120 and businesses £1,800.<ref name="bbcnews20130824">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-24213366|title=Ed Miliband: Labour would freeze energy prices|work=[[BBC News]]|date=2013-09-24|access-date=2020-10-21}},</ref> The announcement was criticised by energy suppliers, and labelled "Marxist" and potentially "catastrophic" by the government, but was supported by around two-thirds of the British public.<ref name="cif2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/14/ed-miliband-energy-price-freeze-tories|title=Ed Miliband's energy price freeze policy has sent the Tories into a tailspin|work=[[The Guardian]]|last=Wood|first=Stewart|date=2013-10-14|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

By the end of the year, the government acknowledged that there was largescale dissatisfaction among the British public about the perception that the large energy suppliers were overcharging their customers.<ref name="belfasttelegraph2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/energy-firms-angering-consumers-29745917.html|title=Energy firms 'angering' consumers|work=[[Belfast Telegraph]]|date=2013-11-12|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

After working with the [[Office of Fair Trading]] and the newly established [[Competition and Markets Authority]] (CMA), to again assess competition in the energy market, on 26 June 2014, Ofgem referred the energy market in Great Britain to the CMA for an investigation.<ref name="ofgemconsult2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/consultation-proposal-make-market-investigation-reference-respect-supply-and-acquisition-energy-great-britain|title=Consultation on a proposal to make a market investigation reference in respect of the supply and acquisition of energy in Great Britain|publisher=Ofgem.gov.uk|date=2014-03-27|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref><ref name="bbcnews20140626">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28037567|title=Energy probe could lead to 'major structural change'|work=BBC News|date=2014-06-26|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> An interim report by the CMA, published in 2015, claimed that energy suppliers were overcharging customers by as much as £1.7 billion.<ref name="ft2016">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1d46ef58-323f-11e6-bda0-04585c31b153 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/OGmdb |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Energy regulators to drop claim that 'big six' overcharged|work=[[Financial Times]]|last=Stacey|first=Kiran|date=2016-06-20|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> The CMA's findings and proposed remedies, published in 2016, included a price cap for energy customers who were on prepayment meters – but were widely criticised for not going far enough.<ref name="guardian20160623">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jun/23/cma-energy-market-report-expected-criticism-overcharging-uk-consumers-big-six-suppliers|title=CMA energy market report expected to whip up storm of criticism|work=The Guardian|date=2016-06-23|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref><ref name="irishtimes2016">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/energy-and-resources/timing-of-uk-energy-report-icing-on-cake-for-big-six-suppliers-1.2693989|title=Timing of UK energy report icing on cake for 'Big Six' suppliers|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|last=Walsh|first=Fiona|date=2016-06-22|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

By March 2017, [[Citizens Advice]], which had taken on the funding and responsibilities of Consumer Futures to advocate for energy consumers, was calling for the government to extend the prepayment meter cap to more low-income households.<ref name="citizensadvice2017">{{cite press release|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/energy-firms-ripping-off-loyal-pensioners-and-families-on-low-incomes-by-250m/|title=Energy firms ripping off loyal pensioners and families on low incomes by £250m|publisher=[[Citizens Advice]]|date=2017-03-03|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

===2018 to present: Default tariff energy price cap===
{{See also|2021 United Kingdom natural gas supplier crisis}}
In the run-up to the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 general election]], Prime Minister [[Theresa May]] made a commitment that the Conservative Party manifesto would include a policy to apply price controls to energy bills. May wrote in ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' newspaper, saying that "the energy market is not working for ordinary working families" and that if she was re-elected she would introduce a price cap policy that would save households up to £100 each.<ref name="independent20170308">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-price-controls-energy-bills-ed-miliband-freeze-general-election-2017-latest-a7725271.html|title=Theresa May lays out plan for state to control energy prices|work=[[The Independent]]|last=Stone|first=Jon|date=2017-03-08|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

There was pressure from other members of her Cabinet to change the policy after the election result forced May to form a minority government,<ref name=guardian-20170509>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/09/tory-mps-theresa-may-energy-price-cap-bills-gas-electricity |title=Tory MPs plot to water down Theresa May's energy price cap pledge |last1=Vaughan |first1=Adam |last2=Mason |first2=Rowena |newspaper=The Guardian |date=9 May 2017 |access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="guardian20170615">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jun/14/may-is-warned-dont-break-election-pledge-on-energy-price-cap|title=Theresa May is warned: don't break election vow on energy price cap|last=Vaughan|first=Adam|work=The Guardian|date=2017-06-15|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> but also pressure from other MPs to go ahead including an open letter signed by 192 MPs, over 70 of whom were Conservative MPs.<ref name=guardian-20170929>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/29/theresa-may-under-pressure-to-introduce-price-cap-on-energy-bills |title=Theresa May under pressure to introduce price cap on energy bills |last1=Elgot |first1=Jessica |last2=Vaughan |first2=Adam |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 September 2017 |access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> The Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to her flagship energy policy in a speech at the [[Conservative Party Conference (UK)|Conservative Party Conference]] in October 2017.<ref name="independent20171004">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-speech-live-energy-bills-price-cap-u-turn-prices-tory-conference-latest-a7982586.html|title=Theresa May promises to 'put a price cap on energy bills' in latest u-turn during conference speech|author-last1=Merrick|author-first1=Rob|author-last2=Buchan|author-first2=Lizzy|work=The Independent|date=2017-10-04|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> It was announced that the price cap, or "safeguard tariff", would be implemented by Ofgem and would cap prices for electricity and gas for the 11 million households on standard variable tariffs.<ref name="bbcnews20171004">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-41499483|title=Theresa May revives plan to cap energy prices|last=Milligan|first=Brian|work=BBC News|date=2017-10-04|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

The ''Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Bill 2018'' was introduced in legislation and had its first reading on 26 February 2018, following a period of pre-legislative scrutiny from the cross-party [[Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee|Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee]].<ref name="govuk20180226">{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-new-legislation-to-cap-poor-value-energy-tariffs-in-time-for-next-winter|title=Government introduces new legislation to cap poor value energy tariffs in time for next winter|publisher=Gov.uk|date=2018-02-26|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> The legislation completed its passage through Parliament on 18 July 2018 and received [[royal assent]] the next day.<ref name="govuk20180719">{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/victory-for-consumers-as-cap-on-energy-tariffs-to-become-law|title=Victory for consumers as cap on energy tariffs to become law|publisher=Gov.uk|date=2018-07-19|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

The Tariff Cap Act stipulated that the price cap would be in place from the end of 2018 until 2020, when Ofgem would recommend whether the cap should remain on an annual basis up to 2023. Ofgem would also review the level of the cap at least every 6 months while it is in place.<ref name="govuk20180719" />

In September 2018, Ofgem proposed that the initial level of the "'''default tariff price cap'''" would mean that energy suppliers would not be allowed to charge more than £1,136 a year for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit, and that this would save the 11 million British households on default or standard variable tariffs an average of £75 a year on their gas and electricity bills.<ref name="ft20180906">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/45108614-b19c-11e8-99ca-68cf89602132 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/leasU |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Energy price cap set to benefit 11m households|author-last1=McCormick|author-first1=Myles|author-last2=Sheppard|author-first2=David|work=Financial Times|date=2018-09-06|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

The price of the cap is set for each unit ([[kWh]]) of gas and electricity used, plus a daily standing charge, so that it varies with consumption. Ofgem designed the cap level to take into account several factors: wholesale energy costs (how much a supplier has to pay to get the gas and electricity to supply households with energy), energy network costs (the regional costs of building, maintaining and operating the pipes and wires that carry energy across the country), policy costs (the costs related to government social and environmental schemes to save energy, reduce emissions and encourage take-up of renewable energy), operating costs (the costs incurred by suppliers to deliver billing and metering services, including [[smart metering]]), payment method uplift allowance (the additional costs incurred through billing customers with different payment methods), headroom allowance (allowing suppliers to manage uncertainty in their costs), the return on suppliers’ investments, and [[Value-added tax|VAT]] (5% tax added to the level of the tariff).

In November 2018, Ofgem finished its consultation and published its decision that the first level of the cap would be set at £1,137 a year for a typical direct debit dual fuel bill in November 2018.<ref name="ofgemdecision2018">{{cite report|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/system/files/docs/2018/11/decision_-_default_tariff_cap_-_overview_document_0.pdf|title=Decision – Default tariff cap – Overview document|publisher=Ofgem.gov.uk|date=2018-11-06|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> This came into force from 1 January 2019. At its initial level, the cost of electricity for those on default tariffs was capped at 17p per kWh, and gas was capped at 4p per kWh. Dual fuel users would pay no more than £177 a year for the standing charge, electricity-only users would pay no more than £83, and gas users £94.<ref name="bbcnews20190101">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46720908|title=Energy price cap comes into force|last=Peachey|first=Kevin|work=BBC News|date=2019-01-01|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

The first change in the level of the price cap was announced in February 2019, with the cap rising by £117 for typical direct debit dual fuel bills from 1 April 2019.<ref name="bbcnews20190207">{{cite news |last=Peachey |first=Kevin |date=2019-02-07 |title=Energy prices to increase for millions as Ofgem raises cap |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47133564 |access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref> In October 2020, the government extended the energy price cap by a year, until at least the end of 2021.<ref name="skynews2020">{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/energy-price-cap-extended-until-end-of-2021-12108677|title=Energy price cap extended until end of 2021|work=[[Sky News]]|date=2020-10-19|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

In the 2020s, several consumer-facing suppliers went into [[liquidation]] including [[Bulb Energy]], Avro Energy, Green Supplier and Orbit Energy.<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59414799 |date=25 November 2021 |title=Entice and Orbit become latest energy firms to go bust}}</ref>

In August 2022, Ofgem announced that the price cap would be reviewed every three months instead of every six months, in reaction to wholesale price [[volatility (finance)|volatility]]. Thus the review in October 2022 would be followed by another in January 2023.<ref name="bbcnews20220805">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62408869|title=Energy bills to rise and fall quicker to avoid price shocks|last=Smith|first=Colletta|work=BBC|date=2022-08-05|access-date=2022-08-09}}</ref>

The average price cap has been set as follows:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;"
|+ Default tariff price cap (annualised)
<ref name="OfgemAveragePriceCap">{{cite web|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/default-tariff-cap |title=Default Tariff Cap|work=Ofgem|access-date=2022-08-09}}</ref>
|-
! colspan=2 | Period !! Default direct debit !! Default prepay meter
|-
| {{date|1 January 2019|DMY}} || {{date|31 March 2019|DMY}} || £1,137<ref name=dtcApril2019/> || £1,136<ref name=ppmApril2019/>
|-
| {{date|1 April 2019|DMY}} || {{date|30 September 2019|DMY}} || £1,254<ref name=dtcApril2019>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2019/02/default_tariff_cap_level_-_letter.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update for 1 April 2019 |date=7 February 2019 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,242<ref name=ppmApril2019>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2019/02/prepayment_meter_price_cap_letter_01_april_2019_to_30_september_2019.pdf |title=Prepayment meter cap update for 1 April 2019 |date=7 February 2019 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref>
|-
| {{date|1 October 2019|DMY}} || {{date|31 March 2020|DMY}} || £1,179<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2019/08/dtc_august_cap_letter.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update for 1 October 2019 |date=7 August 2019 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,242<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2019/08/ppm_august_cap_letter.pdf |title=Prepayment meter cap update for 1 October 2019 |date=7 August 2019 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref>
|-
| {{date|1 April 2020|DMY}} || {{date|30 September 2020|DMY}} || £1,162<ref name=dtcApril2020>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/02/default_tariff_cap_level_-_letter_0.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update for 1 April 2020 |date=7 February 2020 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,200<ref name=dtcApril2020/>
|-
| {{date|1 October 2020|DMY}} || {{date|31 March 2021|DMY}} || £1,042<ref name=dtcOctober2020>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/08/default_tariff_cap_level_-_letter.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update for 1 October 2020 |date=7 August 2020 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,070<ref name=dtcOctober2020/>
|-
| {{date|1 April 2021|DMY}} || {{date|30 September 2021|DMY}} || £1,138<ref name=dtcApril2021>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2021/02/default_tariff_cap_level_-_letter.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update for 1 April 2021 |date=5 February 2021 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,156<ref name=dtcApril2021/>
|-
| {{date|1 October 2021|DMY}} || {{date|31 March 2022|DMY}} || £1,277<ref name=dtcOctober2021>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-08/Default%20tariff%20cap%20letter%20for%201%20October%202021.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update from 1 October 2021 |date=6 August 2021 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £1,309<ref name=dtcOctober2021/>
|-
| {{date|1 April 2022|DMY}} || {{date|30 September 2022|DMY}} || £1,971<ref name=dtcApril2022>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-02/Default%20tariff%20cap%20letter%20for%201%20April%2020221643903154554.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update from 1 April 2022 |date=3 February 2022 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £2,017<ref name=dtcApril2022/>
|-
| {{date|1 October 2022|DMY}} || {{date|31 December 2022|DMY}} || £3,549{{efn|name=EPG}}<ref name="OfgemAveragePriceCap2022OctDec">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-08/Default%20tariff%20cap%20letter.pdf |title=Default tariff cap update from 1 October 2022 |date=26 August 2022 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2022-08-29}}</ref> || £3,608{{efn|name=EPG}}<ref name="OfgemAveragePriceCap2022OctDec"/>
|-
| {{date|1 January 2023|DMY}} || {{date|31 March 2023|DMY}} || £4,279{{efn|name=EPG|The government's Energy
Price Guarantee (EPG) between 1 October 2022 and 30 June 2023 reduced the unit cost of electricity and gas so that a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit bill for a domestic consumer would be £2,500, rather than the energy price cap levels.<ref name=EPGGOV.UK>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-support-factsheet-8-september-2022 |title=Energy Price Guarantee |website=GOV.UK |date=15 March 2023 |access-date=15 March 2023}}</ref>}}<ref name=dtcJanuary2023>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-11/Default%20Tariff%20Cap%20Letter%20for%201%20January%202023.pdf |title=Default Tariff Cap update from 1 January 2023 |date=24 November 2022 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> || £4,358{{efn|name=EPG}}<ref name=dtcJanuary2023/>
|-
| {{date|1 April 2023|DMY}} || {{date|30 June 2023|DMY}} || £3,280{{efn|name=EPG}} || £3,325{{efn|name=EPG}}<ref name=dtcApril2023>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-02/Default%20Tariff%20Cap%20Letter%20for%201%20April%202023.pdf |title=Default Tariff Cap update from 1 January 2023 |date=27 February 2023 |website=Ofgem |access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref>
|-
|}

{{Bar chart
| title         = Default tariff price cap (annualised)

| label_type    = Period
| label1        = {{date|1 October 2019|DMY}} to {{date|31 March 2020|DMY}}
| label2        = {{date|1 April 2019|DMY}} to {{date|30 September 2019|DMY}}
| label3        = {{date|1 October 2019|DMY}} to {{date|31 March 2020|DMY}}
| label4        = {{date|1 April 2020|DMY}} to {{date|30 September 2020|DMY}}
| label5        = {{date|1 October 2020|DMY}} to {{date|31 March 2021|DMY}}
| label6        = {{date|1 April 2021|DMY}} to {{date|30 September 2021|DMY}}
| label7        = {{date|1 October 2021|DMY}} to {{date|31 March 2022|DMY}}
| label8        = {{date|1 April 2022|DMY}} to {{date|30 September 2022|DMY}}
| label9        = {{date|1 October 2022|DMY}} to {{date|31 December 2022|DMY}}
| label10       = {{date|1 January 2023|DMY}} to {{date|31 March 2023|DMY}}
| label11       = {{date|1 April 2023|DMY}} to {{date|30 June 2023|DMY}}

| data_type     = Default direct debit (£)
| data_max      = 4,500
| data1         = 1,137
| data2         = 1,254
| data3         = 1,179
| data4         = 1,162
| data5         = 1,042
| data6         = 1,138
| data7         = 1,277
| data8         = 1,971
| data9         = 3,549
| data10        = 4,279
| data11        = 3,280

| col2_data_type= Default prepay meter (£)
| col2_data_max = 4,500
| col2_data1    = 1,136
| col2_data2    = 1,242
| col2_data3    = 1,242
| col2_data4    = 1,200
| col2_data5    = 1,070
| col2_data6    = 1,156
| col2_data7    = 1,309
| col2_data8    = 2,017
| col2_data9    = 3,608
| col2_data10   = 4,358
| col2_data11   = 3,325

}}

{{notelist}}

=== 2022–23: Government support for households ===
{{See also|2021–present United Kingdom cost-of-living crisis}}

In response to the marked increase in the default tariff cap from April 2022, on 3 February the Chancellor, [[Rishi Sunak]], announced measures to support domestic gas and electricity customers in England, Wales and Scotland. There would be a £200 discount on energy bills, to be given in the autumn and paid back by customers in later years. In addition, from April a non-repayable £150 [[Council Tax|council tax]] rebate was given to households in England in tax bands A to D (estimated to be 80% of homes), and local councils received £144{{Nbsp}}million to provide discretionary funding to other residents. The devolved administrations received around £715{{Nbsp}}million so they could provide comparable support, and there was an expansion of the Warm Homes Discount scheme.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-03 |title=Most homes to get energy bill relief of £350 |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60245696 |access-date=2022-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 August 2022 |title=Energy Bills Support Scheme: Government policy and FAQs |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9461/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=House of Commons Library}}</ref>

With further price rises expected in October, Sunak announced a further package on 26 May. The bills discount was doubled to £400 and changed to a non-repayable grant, instead of a loan;<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-26 |title=Every household to get energy bill discounts of £400 this autumn |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61583651 |access-date=2022-08-29}}</ref> other "cost of living" support included a £650 payment to households on means-tested benefits, £300 to pensioner households and £150 to individuals receiving disability benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=Cost of Living Payment |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Department for Work and Pensions |language=en}}</ref> The £400 discount would be paid to domestic electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales as six monthly rebates (or vouchers for non-smart prepayment meters) of £66 or £67, from October 2022 to March 2023 inclusive.<ref>Gallizzi, B., [https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/government-energy-relief-measures-your-questions-answered/ Government energy relief measures: your questions answered], Uswitch, published 26 August 2022, accessed 27 August 2022</ref>

Following her appointment as Prime Minister on 6 September 2022, [[Liz Truss]] announced on 8 September 2022 that a new "Energy Price Guarantee" effective from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2024 would pay a subsidy to energy and gas suppliers, in order to limit typical household energy costs to £2,500 per year. Comparable support would be offered to businesses, public sector organisations (under a six-month scheme running to 31 March 2023) and to households who do not pay directly for electricity or mains gas, such as those in [[park home]]s or on heat networks.<ref>{{OGL-attribution|UK Government, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-energy-price-guarantee-for-families-and-businesses-while-urgently-taking-action-to-reform-broken-energy-market Government announces Energy Price Guarantee for families and businesses while urgently taking action to reform broken energy market], published 8 September 2022, accessed 10 September 2022}}</ref> The cost of this package of support was uncertain since it depended on future wholesale prices, but was estimated at over £100bn per year by the [[Institute for Fiscal Studies]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 September 2022 |title=Response to the Energy Price Guarantee |url=https://ifs.org.uk/articles/response-energy-price-guarantee |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Institute for Fiscal Studies |language=en}}</ref> On 17 October, cost-saving measures indicated by incoming chancellor [[Jeremy Hunt]] included limiting universal assistance to six months, ending on 1 April 2023, with support beyond then to be determined by a Treasury-led review.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2022 |title=How much will my energy bills increase next year now price guarantee will only last six months? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/how-much-will-my-energy-bills-increase-next-year-now-price-guarantee-will-only-last-six-months-12723517 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2022 |title=Energy bills support factsheet |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-support-factsheet-8-september-2022 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref> On 17 November 2022, Hunt announced in his autumn statement that the subsidy would be reduced from April 2023, increasing the costs for a typical household to £3,000 per year,<ref name=autumnstatement2022>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1118417/CCS1022065440-001_SECURE_HMT_Autumn_Statement_November_2022_Web_accessible__1_.pdf |title=Autumn Statement 2022 |id=CP 751 |publisher=HM Treasury |quote=From April 2023 the EPG will rise to £3,000. |page=2}}</ref> but in his [[2023 United Kingdom budget|March 2023 budget]] the chancellor reversed this decision and kept the subsidy at the £2,500 level until the end of June.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2023 |title=Spring Budget 2023 (HTML) |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-budget-2023/spring-budget-2023-html |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=HM Treasury |language=en}}</ref>

==Energy supply and decarbonisation policy history==
===Early 2000s: climate change rises up the agenda===
In 2005, the Chancellor [[Gordon Brown]] commissioned [[Nicholas Stern, Baron Stern of Brentford|Nicholas Stern]] to look into the economics of climate change. The influential Stern Report concluded that climate change was the "greatest and widest-ranging [[market failure]] ever seen".<ref name="appgreport2012" />

Joining over 170 other nations, the UK committed to reduction<ref>''Carbon Abatement Technology for Fossil Fuels'', UK DTI, 2005</ref> of [[carbon dioxide]] emissions, with consequent constraints to its [[energy policy]].  The UK produced four percent of the world's [[greenhouse gas]]es as of 2003, compared to 23 percent by the US<ref>''In Trends: A Compendium of Data on Global Change'', Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, US DOE, 2006</ref> and 20 percent for the rest of [[Europe]].  The long-term reduction goal for carbon emissions is 80 percent decrease by 2050.  A scheme of trading for carbon [[emission credits]] has been developed in Europe that will allow some of the reduction to arise from economic transactions.

Road transport emissions reduction has been stimulated since 1999 by the banding of [[Vehicle Excise Duty]].  Bands for new vehicles are based on the results of a laboratory test, designed to calculate the theoretical potential emissions of the vehicle in grammes of CO<sub>2</sub> per kilometre travelled, under ideal conditions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fuel's gold – the cost of carbon emissions |first=Andrew |last=English
|date=6 October 2007 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/green-motoring/2748922/Fuels-gold-the-cost-of-carbon-emissions.html |access-date=29 October 2015 |location=London}}</ref>

[[Aviation fuel]] is not regulated under the [[Kyoto Protocol]], so that if the UK is successful in carbon emission reduction, [[aviation]] will constitute 25 percent of UK generated [[greenhouse gas]]es by 2030.

The UK government has one project in the planning stage for natural gas fed power generation with carbon capture by seawater.  This facility is contemplated at [[Peterhead]], [[Scotland]], a relatively remote exposure to the [[North Sea]].

Prof Kevin Anderson raised concern about the growing [[Environmental impact of aviation|effect of air transport on the climate]] in a paper<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Anderson |first1=K. |last2= Bows |first2=A. |year= 2008  |title=Reframing the climate change challenge in light of post-2000 emission trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences (366:1882, p.3863-3882) |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences |volume=366 |issue=1882 |pages=3863–3882 |url=http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/366/1882/3863.full |publisher=Rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org|doi=10.1098/rsta.2008.0138 |pmid=18757271 |s2cid=8242255 }}</ref>
and a presentation<ref>Anderson, K. (17 June 2008). [http://transitionculture.org/wp-content/uploads/kevin-anderson-2.ppt Reframing climate change: from long-term targets to emission pathways] (esp. slide 24 onward).
</ref>
in 2008. Anderson holds a chair in Energy and Climate Change at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at the [[University of Manchester]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite web
|date=n.d.
|title=Prof Kevin Anderson's profile
|publisher=Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
|url=http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/users/kevin-anderson
|access-date=3 June 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720123621/http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/users/kevin-anderson
|archive-date=20 July 2011
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
Anderson claims that even at a reduced annual rate of increase in UK passenger air travel and with the government's targeted emissions reductions in other energy use sectors, by 2030 aviation would be causing 70% of the UK's allowable CO<sub>2</sub> emissions.

===Energy white paper, 2003===
The UK Government published its white paper on energy ("Our Energy Future – creating a Low Carbon Economy") in 2003, establishing a formal energy policy for the UK for the first time in 20 years.  Essentially, the white paper recognised that a limitation of [[carbon dioxide]] ({{CO2}} – the main gas contributing to [[global climate change]]) was going to be necessary.  It committed the UK to working towards a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, and identified business opportunities in so doing: a recurrent theme throughout the document was "cleaner, smarter energy".  It also claimed to be based on four pillars: the environment, energy reliability, affordable energy for the poorest and competitive markets.

The White Paper focused more on analysing the issues than in providing detailed policy responses.  Some detail began to filter through in a series of follow-on documents, including an Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan (April 2004) and the DTI Microgeneration Strategy "Our Energy Challenge" (March 2006).  Nonetheless, most of the policies were a continuation of business as usual, with emphasis on market-led solutions and an expectation that consumers act rationally, for example in installing energy efficiency measures to make running cost savings.

In November 2005 it was announced that the government, under DTI leadership, would undertake a full-scale energy review, and over 500 organisations and individuals made detailed submissions as part of this review.  Officially, the review was to take stock of the outcomes to date of the white paper, which a particular focus on cutting carbon (emissions of which remained stubbornly high) and to look in more detail at security of supply, as the UK's oil and gas production from the [[North Sea]] had peaked, and Russia was seen as being a high-risk supplier of gas.

Unofficially, it was widely felt that the real reason behind the review was to allow [[nuclear power]] back into the energy debate, as it had been sidelined in the 2003 white paper. That document had said "This white paper does not contain specific proposals for building new nuclear power stations. However, we do not rule out the possibility that at some point in the future new nuclear build might be necessary if we are to meet our carbon targets. Before any decision to proceed with the building of new nuclear power stations, there will need to be the fullest public consultation and the publication of a further white paper setting out our proposals."  The energy review was therefore to be this public consultation.

===Energy Review, 2006===
In the light of a fast changing world energy context, increasing [[energy dependence|dependence]] on oil and gas imports, concerns about [[carbon emissions]], and a need to accelerate investment in electricity infrastructure and power stations the UK Government undertook the 2006 Energy Review.  One aspect of the 2006 Review dealt with development of nuclear power.  [[Greenpeace]] challenged the government's process of consultation on proposals to develop nuclear power and following a [[judicial review]] requested by [[Greenpeace]], on 15 February 2007 the consultation process was ruled 'seriously flawed', and 'not merely inadequate but also misleading'. As a result, plans to build a new generation of [[nuclear power plant]]s were delayed while the UK Government reran the consultation process in a way that complied with the court's decision. ''See [[Nuclear power in the United Kingdom#2006 Energy review|Nuclear power in the United Kingdom]] for details''.

====Contents====
The Energy Review Report 2006 came out as a broader and more balanced document than critics (in advance) had expected.  It started by reiterating the government's four long-term goals for energy policy:

*To put the UK on a path to cut [[carbon dioxide emissions]] by some 60% by about 2050, with real progress by 2020;
*To maintain reliable energy supplies;
*To promote competitive markets in the UK and beyond, helping to raise the rate of sustainable economic growth and to improve productivity; and
*To ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

It then identified two major long-term energy challenges:

*Tackling climate change, along with other nations, as global carbon emissions from human activity continue to grow; and
*Delivering secure, clean energy at affordable prices, as we become increasingly dependent on imports for our energy needs.

The Review took an internationalist response, stressing that the world's economies need to get on a path to being significantly less [[emission intensity|carbon-intensive]], and noting rising global demand, especially from countries such as India and China. This means using less energy in products and services and changing the way energy is produced so that more of it comes from [[low-carbon power|low-carbon]] sources.  It also identified the need for a fairer distribution of energy around the world, and identified that many resources, especially of fossil fuels which are concentrated in just a few countries.

It placed its main concerns and proposals into three groups:

'''''Saving Energy'''''

The starting point for reducing carbon emissions is to save energy. The challenge is to secure the heat, light and energy we need in homes and businesses in a way that cuts the amount of oil, gas and
electricity used and the carbon dioxide emitted.  Actions proposed include:

*Increasing information, e.g. through [[Home Information Pack]]s
*Raising basic standards, removing inefficient goods from the market
*Making best use of the [[European Union Emission Trading Scheme|EU Emissions Trading Scheme]] and [[Climate Change Levy]]
*Making the government estate [[carbon neutral]] by 2012
*Increasing the focus on energy efficient transport

'''''Cleaner Energy'''''

Cost-effective ways of using less energy will help move towards the carbon reduction goal. But on their own they will not provide the solution to the challenges faced: there is also a need to make the energy used cleaner.  Under this head, the government considered:

*more distributed energy generation including low-carbon heat
*more use of community based systems, including [[Cogeneration|CHP]]
*a strong commitment to [[carbon pricing]] in the UK, through improving the operation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
*a strengthened commitment to the [[Renewables Obligation]]
*proposals for reform of the planning regime for electricity projects
*a clear statement of our position on new nuclear build
*support for carbon capture and storage
*developing alternative fuels for transport

'''''The Energy Security Challenge'''''

The challenges of reducing carbon emissions and ensuring [[Energy security|security of supply]] are closely linked. Security of supply requires that we have good access to available fuel supplies, the infrastructure in place to transport them to centres of demand and effective markets so that supply meets demand in the most efficient way. Many of the measures already described for tackling carbon emissions also contribute to the healthy diversity of energy sources that is necessary for meeting the energy security challenge.

There are two main security of supply challenges for the UK:

*Managing increased dependence on oil and gas imports, especially in the light of the global distribution of energy reserves and growing international demand; and
*Ensuring that the market delivers substantial and timely investment in electricity generating capacity and networks so that households and businesses have the electricity they need at affordable prices.

The government's response is to continue to open up markets and to work internationally to develop strong relationships with suppliers, developing liberalised markets.

So where does [[nuclear power in the United Kingdom|nuclear power]] fit within this debate?  Although it is mentioned a lot more in the Review compared to the White Paper (441 times, compared to 55 to be exact), the government does not propose building new stations itself.  Instead, it will leave it to the market, although it will ease some of the planning constraints (which it also aims to do for renewables) and look into providing a design authorisation procedure.  As with many other aspects of the Energy Review Response, the document is not likely to be the last word on the subject, as there are plans for further consultation, and the establishment of further reviews and studies in issues such as identifying suitable sites, and managing the costs of decommissioning and long term waste management.

===Energy white paper, 2007===
{{Overly detailed|section|nosplit=nosplit|date=January 2023}}
The 2007 energy white paper: ''Meeting the Energy Challenge''<ref name="2007EWP">[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121205174605/http:/www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/publications/white_paper_07/file39387.pdf 2007 Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge], ''[[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Department of Trade and Industry]]'', published 2007-05-23, accessed 25 May 2007</ref> was published on 23 May 2007. The 2007 white paper outlines the government's international and domestic strategy for responding to two main  challenges:<ref name="2007EWP" />
*cutting [[carbon emissions]] to tackle [[global warming]]
*ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy as imports replace declining production from [[North Sea oil|North Sea oil and gas]]
It seeks to do this in a way that is consistent with its four energy policy goals:<ref name="2007EWP" />
*cutting the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by some 60% by about 2050, with real progress by 2020;
*maintaining the reliability of energy supplies;
*promoting competitive markets in the UK and beyond, helping to raise the rate of sustainable economic growth and to improve productivity; and
*ensuring that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

The paper anticipates that it will be necessary to install 30–35 [[gigawatt|GW]] of new [[electricity generation]] capacity within 20 years to plug the energy gap resulting from increased demand and the expected closure of existing power plants. It also states that, based on existing policies, renewable energy is likely to contribute around 5% of the UK's consumption by 2020,<ref name="2007EWP" /><!--page 23--> rather than the 20% target mentioned in the 2006 Energy Review.

====Proposed energy strategy====

In summary, the government's proposed strategy involves six components:<ref name="2007EWP" />
*Establishing an international framework to tackle climate change, including the [[Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change|stabilisation of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations]] and a stronger [[European Union Emissions Trading Scheme]]
*Providing legally binding carbon targets for the whole UK economy, reducing emissions through the implementation of the [[United Kingdom Climate Change Bill|Climate Change Bill]].
*Making further progress in achieving fully competitive and transparent international markets, including further liberalisation of the European Union energy market.
*Encouraging more [[energy conservation|energy saving]] through better information, incentives and regulation
*Providing more support for low carbon technologies, including increased international and domestic public-private sector collaboration in the areas of research, development, demonstration and deployment – for example though the launch of the [[United Kingdom Energy Technologies Institute|Energy Technologies Institute]] and the [[Environmental Transformation Fund]].

To achieve the government's aims, the white paper proposes a number of practical measures, including:<ref name="2007EWP" />

=====Energy conservation=====

Businesses:
*A new mandatory [[cap and trade]] scheme for organisations consuming more than 6,000 [[MWh]] of electricity per year, to be known as the [[Carbon Reduction Commitment]].
*The introduction of [[Energy Performance Certificate]]s for business premises and [[Display Energy Certificate]]s for public sector organisations.
*The extension of [[smart meter]]ing to most business premises within 5 years.
Homes:
*A requirement for all new homes to be [[zero-carbon building]]s as soon as practically possible and preferably by 2016.
*Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes.
*Improving the efficiency of [[consumer electronics]] and [[domestic appliances]], and the possible phase-out of [[incandescent light bulb|inefficient light bulbs]] by around 2011.
*Increasing the [[Carbon Emission Reduction Target]] for the electricity and gas industries for 2008–2011.
*A requirement that new domestic [[electricity meter]]s should have [[Real-time computing|real time]] displays from 2008, and a commitment to upgrade existing domestic meters on request.
Transport:
*The introduction of a [[Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy]]
*Support for including aviation within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme

=====Energy supply=====
*The introduction of a [[Biomass Strategy]] to expand the use of [[biomass]] as an energy source.
*Measures to grow [[distributed generation|distributed electricity generation]] and distributed heat generation alongside the centralised system.
*A reconfirmation that, under the [[Renewables Obligation]], renewable energy should supply 10% of electricity generation by 2010, an 'aspiration' to achieve 20% by 2020, together with the introduction of bands within the Obligation to support different renewable technologies.
*The launch in November 2007 of a competition to demonstrate commercial-scale [[carbon capture and storage]] technology
*A 'preliminary view is that it is in the public interest to give the private sector the option of investing in new [[nuclear power in the United Kingdom|nuclear power]] stations'. A consultation on this was launched at the same time as the White Paper.
*The introduction of the [[Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation]] in 2008–2009, with a commitment that [[biofuel]]s should provide 5% of transport fuel by 2010–2011.
*Measures to support the recovery of the remaining oil and gas reserves from the North Sea.
*Removing barriers to developing new energy infrastructure and power plants through reform of [[planning permission]] processes, as detailed in the 2007 Planning White Paper: ''Planning for a Sustainable Future.''

====Response of the Scottish Government====

The [[Scottish Government]] responded to the UK government paper by making clear that it was against new nuclear power stations being built in Scotland and had the power to prevent any being built.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}  In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Energy Minister [[Jim Mather]] stated "Members will be aware that Greenpeace, backed by the courts, have forced the UK Government to consult properly on the future role of nuclear power. We will respond and we will make clear that we do not want and do not need new nuclear power in Scotland. If an application were to be submitted for a new nuclear power station that will be for Scottish Ministers to determine. We would be obliged to look at it – but given our policy position, our generating capacity, our multiplicity of energy sources and our strong alternative strategies such an application would be unlikely to find favour with this administration."<ref>[http://www.scottishexecutive.gov.uk/News/This-Week/Speeches/energypolicy Statement to Scottish Parliament, May 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202225853/http://www.scottishexecutive.gov.uk/News/This-Week/Speeches/energypolicy |date=2 December 2008 }}</ref>

===Climate Change Act, 2008===
{{Main|Climate Change Act 2008}}
On 13 March 2007, a draft [[Climate Change Act 2008|Climate Change Bill]] was published following cross-party pressure over several years, led by environmental groups. The Act puts in place a framework to achieve a mandatory 80% cut in the UK's [[carbon emissions]] by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels), with an intermediate target of between 26% and 32% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070313a.htm New Bill and strategy lay foundations for tackling climate change] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000610/http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070313a.htm |date=27 September 2007 }}, [[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]], published 13 March 2007, retrieved 13 March 2007.</ref> The Bill was passed into law in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2008/pdf/ukpga_20080027_en.pdf|title=Climate Change Act 2008
|website=opsi.gov.uk|access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref> With its passing the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to set such a long-range and significant carbon reduction target into law, or to create such a legally binding framework.<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/legislation/index.htm UK – Adaptation in the Climate Change Act] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011095837/http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/legislation/index.htm |date=11 October 2009 }}, Defra</ref>

The [[Committee on Climate Change]], whose powers are invested by Part 2 of the Act, was formally launched in December 2008 with [[Adair Turner, Baron Turner of Ecchinswell|Lord Adair Turner]] as its chair.

In April 2009 the Government set a requirement for a 34% cut in emissions by 2020, in line with the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change, and announced that details of how this would be achieved would be published in the summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/apr/22/carbon-emissions-budget-20091|title=Budget 2009: Darling promises 34% emissions cuts with world's first binding carbon budgets|first=Juliette|last=Jowit|date=22 April 2009|website=The Guardian}}</ref>

===UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, 2009===
Published on 15 July 2009, the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/publications/lc_trans_plan/lc_trans_plan.aspx|title=The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826060714/http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/publications/lc_trans_plan/lc_trans_plan.aspx |archive-date=26 August 2009 |date=15 July 2009 |publisher=[[Department of Energy and Climate Change]]}}</ref> details the actions to be taken to cut carbon emissions by 34% by 2020, based on 1990 levels (of which 21% had been achieved at the time of publication). As a result, by 2020 is it envisaged that:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn081/pn081.aspx|title=UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819120634/http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn081/pn081.aspx |archive-date=19 August 2009 |date=15 July 2009 |publisher=[[Department of Energy and Climate Change]]}}</ref>

* Over 1.2 million people will be employed in green jobs.
* The efficiency of 7 million homes will have been upgraded, with over 1.5 million of them generating renewable energy.
* 40% of electricity will be generated from low carbon sources (renewables, nuclear power and clean coal).
* Gas imports will be 50% lower than would otherwise have been the case.
* The average new car will emit 40% less carbon compared to 2009 levels.

=== Energy Bill, 2012–2013 ===

The [[Energy Act 2013|Energy Bill 2012–2013]] aims to close a number of coal power stations over the next two decades, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and has financial incentives to reduce energy demand. The construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations will be facilitated, helped by the establishment of a new Office for Nuclear Regulation. Government climate change targets are to produce 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% on 1990 levels by 2025 and by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20539981 Energy Bill to create 'low carbon economy', says Davey] bbc 29 November 2012</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20458326 Energy bill Q&A] bbc 29 November 2012</ref>

=== Select Committee report, 2016 ===

The Energy and Climate Change [[Select committee (United Kingdom)|Select Committee]] reported on 15{{nbsp}}October 2016 on upcoming challenges for energy and climate policy. The committee recommended investment in [[Grid energy storage|energy storage]] on the supply side and in [[efficient energy use|efficiency technologies]] that smooth out demand peaks, by switching devices off and on and running them at lower power during times of stress, for example.<ref name="harvey-2016">
{{cite news
 | last = Harvey | first = Fiona
 | title = Energy storage vital to keep UK lights on, say MPs
 | date = 15 October 2016
 | work = The Guardian
 | location = London, UK
 | issn = 0261-3077
 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/15/energy-storage-vital-to-keep-uk-lights-on-say-mps
 | access-date = 2016-10-15
}}
</ref><ref name="energy-and-climate-change-committee-2016">
{{cite book
 | author = Energy and Climate Change Committee
 | date = 15 October 2016
 | title = The energy revolution and future challenges for UK energy and climate change policy — Third Report of Session 2016–17 — HC 705
 | publisher = House of Commons
 | location = London, United Kingdom
 | url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenergy/705/705.pdf
 | access-date = 2016-10-15
}}
</ref>

===Salix Finance Ltd.===
Salix Finance Ltd. provides government funding to the public sector to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills. Salix is a [[non-departmental public body]], owned wholly by the government, and funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Education, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.<ref>Salix Finance, [https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/ Salix], accessed 18 November 2020</ref>

=== Energy white paper, 2020 ===
The 2020 energy white paper<ref name=beis-202012>{{cite book |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/945899/201216_BEIS_EWP_Command_Paper_Accessible.pdf |title=Powering our Net Zero Future |isbn=978-1-5286-2219-6 |publisher=Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy |via=gov.uk |id=CP 337 |date=December 2020 |access-date=3 December 2023}}</ref> sets a target to achieve [[Net zero emissions|net zero]] within the UK by 2050, in efforts to halt the progress of climate change. The UK government aim to do this by:

* Investing heavily in renewable energy sources with a goal of 40GW (about 60% of the UK's energy consumption) of offshore wind by 2030
* Getting one large-scale nuclear project to its investment decision by the end of the parliamentary session
* Growing the rate at which electric heatpumps are installed
* Supporting the deployment of [[carbon capture and storage]]
* Establishing a new UK emissions system
* Debating whether to end connections to the gas grid for new homes

The government also issued the "Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution", in which Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] stated it would "mobilise £12 billion of government investment, and potentially three times as much from the private sector, to create and support up to 250,000 green jobs" and "turn the UK into the world's number one centre for green technology and finance".<ref name=beis-202011>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5fb5513de90e0720978b1a6f/10_POINT_PLAN_BOOKLET.pdf |title=The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution |publisher=Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy |via=gov.uk |date=November 2020 |access-date=3 December 2023}}</ref> It committed government support of £2.8 billion for electric cars, £1 billion for energy efficiency, £525 million for nuclear power, £500 million for hydrogen power, and increasing carbon capture support to £1 billion.<ref name=gwpf-2023>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2023/11/Porter-Nuclear-Prospects.pdf |title=Prospects for Nuclear Energy in the UK |last=Porter |first=Kathryn |website=The Global Warming Policy Foundation |id=Report 57 |year=2023 |access-date=3 December 2023}}</ref>

=== Implementing policy: government oversight ===
Government supervision of the coal, gas and electricity industries was established in the 19th century. Since then, specific departments of state and regulatory bodies have had responsibility for policy implementation, regulation and control.

=== History ===
The supply of energy in the nineteenth century – in the form of coal, gas and electricity – was largely by private companies and municipal gas and electricity undertakings. Public control of these supplies was generally in the hands of local authorities.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Williams|first=Trevor I.|title=A History of the British Gas Industry|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1981|isbn=0198581572|location=Oxford|pages=40–41}}</ref> Such control was exercised through limiting prices and dividends and by encouraging competition. State intervention was through legislation such as the [[Mines and Collieries Act 1842]], and the [[Gasworks Clauses Act 1847]] which restricted company dividends to ten per cent.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Electric Lighting Acts 1882 to 1909|Electric Lighting Act 1882]] established control over electricity supply industry from its earliest days. It required undertakings to obtain a license or order from the [[Board of Trade]] to generate and supply electricity. The Board of Trade and the Home Office therefore provided early oversight and control of the energy industries.

=== New government bodies ===
Between 1919 and 1941 the newly created [[Ministry of Transport]] assumed control of the electricity industry. Under wartime conditions the Ministry of Fuel and Power was established in 1942 to coordinate energy supplies. UK Government policy was enacted through a succession of ministries and departments. These are summarised in the following table.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Hannah|first=Leslie | author-link = Leslie Hannah |title=Electricity before Nationalisation|publisher=MacMillan|year=1979|isbn=0333220862|location=London}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=The Electricity Council|title=Electricity Supply in the United Kingdom: a Chronology|publisher=The Electricity Council|year=1987|isbn=085188105X|location=London}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Government ministry / department with responsibility for energy matters
!Regulatory body
!Established
!Abolished / status
!Political party
!Tenure from
!Tenure to
!Notes
|-
|Board of Trade
|–
|Continued
|Various
|c. 1847
|1942
|Gas and electricity industries
|-
|Home Office
|–
|Continued
|Various
|1842
|1920
|Coal industry
|-
|Ministry of Transport
|1919
|Continued
|Various
|1919
|1941
|Electricity supply only
|-
|Board of Trade (Secretary for Mines)
|1920
|1942 transferred to Ministry of Fuel and Power, Board of Trade continued
|Various
|1920
|1942
|
|-
|Board of Trade (Secretary for Petroleum)
|1940
|1942 transferred to Ministry of Fuel and Power, Board of Trade continued
|National
|1940
|1942
|
|-
|Board of Trade
|–
|October 1970 became DTI
|National
|1941
|1942
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Ministry of Power (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Fuel and Power]]
| rowspan="3" |3  June 1942
| rowspan="3" |13 January 1957 renamed Ministry of Power
|National
|June  1942
|July  1945
|
|-
|Labour
|August  1945
|October  1951
|
|-
|Conservative
|October  1951
|January  1957
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Ministry of Power (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Power]]
| rowspan="2" |13 January 1957
| rowspan="2" |6 October 1969 merged with Ministry of Technology
|Conservative
|January  1957
|October  1964
|
|-
|Labour
|October  1964
|October  1969
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Minister of Technology|Ministry of Technology]] (MinTech)
| rowspan="2" |18  October 1964
| rowspan="2" |15 October 1970
|Labour
|October  1969
|June  1970
|
|-
|Conservative
|June  1970
|October  1970
|
|-
|[[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Department of Trade and Industry]] (DTI)
|15 October 1970
|January 1974 transferred to DoE, DTI continued
|Conservative
|October  1970
|January  1974
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |Department of Energy
| rowspan="3" |8 January 1974
| rowspan="3" |11 April 1992
|Conservative
|January  1974
|March  1974
|
|-
|Labour
|March  1974
|4  May 1979
|
|-
|Conservative
|May  1979
|April  1992
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |Department of Trade and Industry
| rowspan="2" |(11 April 1992)
| rowspan="2" |June 2007 transferred to BERR, DTI continued
|Conservative
|April  1992
|May  1997
|
|-
|Labour
|May  1997
|June  2007
|
|-
|Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
|28 June 2007
|October 2008 transferred to DECC 2008, BERR continued
|Labour
|June  2007
|October  2008
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Department of Energy and Climate Change]]
| rowspan="3" |3 October 2008
| rowspan="3" |14 July 2016
|Labour
|October  2008
|May  2010
|
|-
|Coalition
|May  2010
|May  2015
|
|-
|Conservative
|May  2015
|July 2016
|
|-
|[[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]]
|14 July 2016
|current
|Conservative
|July  2016
|February 2023
|
|-
|[[Department for Energy Security and Net Zero]]
|7 February 2023
|current
|Conservative
|February 2023
|current
|
|}

=== Other statutory bodies ===
In addition to the above ministries and departments a number of regulatory bodies have been established to regulate and supervise specific aspects of energy policy and operation. These include:<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

* [[Health and Safety Executive|HM Inspectorate of Mines]] (1842–date),
* [[Electricity Commissioners]] (1919–48) to secure regional coordination,
* [[Central Electricity Board]] (1926–48) to control supplies and construct own and operate the national grid,
* [[National Coal Board]] (1947–87), owned and managed coal mining industry,
* [[British Electricity Authority]] (1948–55) to own and operate electricity generation and transmission,
* [[British Gas|Gas Council]] (1948–1973), to  provide supervisory and advisory function on policy,
* [[Central Electricity Authority]] (1955–57) to own and operate electricity generation and transmission outside Scotland,
* [[Electricity Council]] (1958–1990), provide supervisory and advisory function on policy,
* [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets|Office of Electricity Regulation]] (Offer) (1990–2000), economic regulator independent of government,
* [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets|Office of Gas Supply]] (Ofgas) (1986–2000), economic regulator independent of government,
* [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets]] (Ofgem) (2000– date), to protect the interests of consumers, where possible by promoting competition,
* [[Office of Gas and Electricity Markets|Gas and Electricity Markets Authority]] (GEMA) (2000– date),
* Offshore Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED),
* [[Oil and Gas Authority]] (2015–date), to regulate, influence and promote the UK oil and gas industry to maximise the economic recovery of resources.

== Fossil energy public support ==
[[David Cameron]] announced subsidies for the [[North Sea oil]] and gas industry in March 2014 resulting in the production of 3-4bn more barrels of oil "than would otherwise have been produced".<ref>[The UK government is playing both sides of the climate conflict] The Guardian 3 March 2014</ref>

==Renewable energy targets==

The first targets for renewable energy, 5% of by the end of 2003 and 10% by 2010 'subject to the cost to consumers being acceptable' were set by [[Helen Liddell]] in 2000.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120722232153/http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/policy/renewables-obligation/key-stages/order-2002/page42163.html New and renewable energy: prospects for the 21st Century. Conclusions in response to the public consultation], [[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Department of Trade and Industry]], DTI/Pub 4649/9k/1/00/NP, URN 00/590, January 2000.</ref>

The UK Government's goal for [[renewable energy]] production is to produce 20% of electricity in the UK by 2020. The 2002 Energy Review<ref name="archive2002">{{cite web |date=24 February 2003 |title=The Energy Review |url=http://www.piu.gov.uk/2002/energy/report/3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031219233659/http://www.piu.gov.uk/2002/energy/report/3.html |archive-date=19 December 2003 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> set a target of 10% to be in place by 2010/2011. The target was increased to 15% by 2015 and most recently the 2006 Energy Review further set a target of 20% by 2020.

Subsequently, the Low Carbon Transition Plan of 2009 made clear that by 2020 the UK would need to produce 30% of its electricity, 12% of its heat and 10% of its fuels from renewable sources.<ref>The Low Carbon Transition Plan and Press Notice</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/general/uk-low-carbon-transition-plan-summary|title=The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan – Summary and Update – The Anaerobic Digestion Biofuels Blog|date=1 February 2015}}</ref>

For [[Scotland]], the [[Scottish Government]] has a target of generating 100% of electricity from renewables by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25451385 |title=BBC News – Renewable energy use at record high in Scotland |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=19 December 2013 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>  Renewables located in Scotland count towards both the Scottish target and to the overall target for the UK.

Although [[renewable energy]] sources have not played a major role in the UK historically, there is potential for significant use of [[tidal power]] and [[wind energy]] (both on-shore and [[wind farms in the UK|off-shore]]) as recognised by formal UK policies, including the ''Energy White Paper'' and directives to councils<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planning/planningpolicyguidance/planningpolicystatements/planningpolicystatements/pps22/ |title= Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable energy – Planning, building and the environment – Communities and Local Government|website=www.communities.gov.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423000415/http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planning/planningpolicyguidance/planningpolicystatements/planningpolicystatements/pps22/ |archive-date=23 April 2008}}</ref> in the form of PPS 22. The [[Renewables Obligation]] acts as the central mechanism for support of renewable sources of electricity in the UK, and should provide subsidies approaching one billion [[pounds sterling]] per annum by 2010. A number of other grants and smaller support mechanisms aim to support less established renewables. In addition, renewables have been exempted from the [[Climate Change Levy]] that affects all other energy sources.

The amount of renewable generation added in 2004 was 250 [[megawatt]]s and 500 megawatts in 2005.  There is also a program established for [[micro-generation]] (less than 50 KWe (kilowatt electrical) or 45 KWt (kilowatt thermal) from a low carbon source)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2006/60019--a.htm#26 |title=The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 |publisher=Opsi.gov.uk |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> as well as a [[Solar cell|solar]] voltaic program.  By comparison both [[Germany]] and [[Japan]] have photovoltaic (solar cell) programmes much larger than the installed base in the UK. [[Hydroelectric]] energy is not a viable option for most of the UK due to terrain and lack of force of [[river]]s.

===Biofuels===

The government has established a goal of five percent of the total [[transport]] [[fuel]] that must be from renewable sources (e.g. ethanol, biofuel) by 2010 under the [[Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation]].  This goal may be ambitious, without the necessary infrastructure and paucity of research on appropriate UK crops, but import from France might be a realistic option.

In 2005 [[British Sugar]] announced that it will build the UK's first [[ethanol]] [[biofuel]] production facility, using British grown [[sugar beet]] as the feed stock. The plant in [[Norfolk]] will produce 55,000 [[metric tonnes]] of ethanol annually when it is completed in the first quarter of 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=70 |title=Ethanol Producer Magazine |access-date=2006-07-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928095228/http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=70 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It has been argued that even using all the UK's [[set-aside]] land to grow biofuel crops would provide less than seven per cent of the UK's present transport fuel usage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/02-03/biofuels/quant_bioethanol.htm |title=Bioethanol Production |publisher=Esru.strath.ac.uk |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>

==Fuel poverty==
{{Main|Fuel poverty|Fuel poverty in the United Kingdom}}
Reducing occurrence of [[fuel poverty]] (defined as [[household]]s paying over ten percent of income for heating costs) is one of the four basic goals of UK energy policy.  In the prior decade substantial progress has been made on this goal,{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}} but primarily due to government subsidies to low-income families rather than through fundamental change of home design or improved energy pricing.  The following national programs have been specifically instrumental in such progress: Winter Fuel Payment, [[Child Tax Credit]] and Pension Credit.  Some benefits have resulted from the Warm Front Scheme in [[England]], the Central Heating Programme in [[Scotland]] and the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in [[Wales]].  These latter programs provide economic incentives for physical improvement in [[Building insulation|insulation]], etc.

==Public opinion==
The UK is largely supportive of renewable energy and this is primarily driven by concerns about climate change and dependence on fossil fuels.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Energy Sector – A Force for Good? |url=http://www.molten-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Energy-Sector-A-Force-for-Good.pdf |publisher=Molten Group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116042625/http://www.molten-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Energy-Sector-A-Force-for-Good.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref>

In July 2013, the [[UK Energy Research Centre]] published a national survey of public attitudes towards energy in the UK.<ref>[http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/2243/1/SYNTHESIS_FINAL.pdf Transforming the UK energy system – public values, attitudes and acceptability], ''[[UK Energy Research Centre]]'', published 2013-16-07, accessed 2016-22-01</ref>
*74% of participants were very or fairly concerned about [[climate change]].
*82% were worried about the UK becoming too dependent upon energy from other countries.
*79% wanted to see a reduction in the use of [[fossil fuels]] over the next few decades.
*81% expressed a desire to reduce their energy use.
*85% supported [[solar energy]].
*75% supported [[wind energy]].
*42% had never heard of carbon capture and storage ([[Carbon capture and storage|CCS]]) and when given further information many expressed concern, viewing it as a "non transition" – a continuation of unsustainable practices associated with fossil fuels.
*The public was undecided on the role of [[nuclear power]] in the future energy mix. Over half (54%) said they would oppose the building of a new nuclear power station in their area.
*A majority (53%) were willing to use [[electric vehicles]], rising to 75% if they performed as well as conventional models.

This can be compared with a similar study from the 1st Annual World Environment Review, published in June 2007, which revealed that:<ref>[http://www.gmi-mr.com/gmipoll/release.php?p=20070605 First Annual World Environment Review Poll Reveals Countries Want Governments to Take Strong Action on Climate Change] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022050731/http://www.gmi-mr.com/gmipoll/release.php?p=20070605 |date=22 October 2013 }}, ''Global Market Insite'', published 2007-06-05, accessed 9 May 2007</ref>
*81% are concerned about climate change.
*79% think their government should do more to tackle global warming.
*73% think that the UK is too dependent on fossil fuels.
*77% think that the UK is too reliant on foreign oil.
*87% think that a minimum 25% of electricity should be generated from renewable energy sources.
*24% think that the Government should do more to expand nuclear power.
*56% are concerned about nuclear power.
*76% are concerned about carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries.
*61% think it appropriate for developed countries to demand restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries.

== Oil and gas ==
Oil and gas production peaked in 1999, but in 2023 licensed more oil and gas exploration was licensed.<ref>{{cite news| title=Britain launches oil, gas licensing round to boost domestic supply | website=[[Reuters]] | date=7 October 2022 | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/britain-launches-oil-gas-licensing-round-boost-domestic-supply-2022-10-06/ | access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref>

== Analysis and criticism ==

A 2016 paper argues that current UK energy policy is a contradictory mix of free market policies and government interventions, with an undue emphasis on electricity.  It concludes that the government needs to develop a clearer strategy if it is to address the three goals of economic effectiveness, environmental protection, and energy security.<ref name="keay-2016">
{{cite journal
 | first = Malcolm | last = Keay
 | title = UK energy policy – Stuck in ideological limbo?
 | year = 2016
 | journal = Energy Policy
 | volume = 94
 | pages = 247–252
 | doi = 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.04.022
}}
</ref>

In its 2022 Net zero Review the government was criticised again, with the main issue identified being a lack of consistent policy commitments and a start-stop approach to various schemes. <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/12/rishi-sunak-stop-start-policies-harming-uk-green-investment-says-net-zero-tsar | title=Sunak's stop-start policies harming UK green investment, says net zero tsar | newspaper=The Guardian | date=12 January 2023 | last1=Horton | first1=Helena | last2=Harvey | first2=Fiona }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Brader | first=Claire | title=Mission zero: Independent review of net zero | website=House of Lords Library | date=20 January 2023 | url=https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/mission-zero-independent-review-of-net-zero/ | access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portalbar|Energy|United Kingdom}}

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
; UK only
* [[United Kingdom National Renewable Energy Action Plan]], 2009
* [[Climate change in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Energy efficiency in British housing]]
* [[Energy switching services in the UK]]
* [[List of renewable resources produced and traded by the United Kingdom]]
* [[Merton Rule]]
* [[Timeline of the UK electricity supply industry]]
* [[UK Energy Research Centre]]

; UK and beyond
* [[Avoiding dangerous climate change]]
* [[Energy policy of the European Union]]
* [[Energy policy of the United States]]
* [[Energy Saving Trust]]
* [[Financial incentives for photovoltaics]]
* [[Low Carbon Building Programme]]
* [[National Energy Action]] (NEA)
* [[The Carbon Trust]]
{{Div col end}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

==References==
*E McGaughey, ''Principles of Enterprise Law: the Economic Constitution and Human Rights'' ([https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/law/corporate-law/principles-enterprise-law-economic-constitution-and-human-rights?format=PB Cambridge UP 2022]) chapters 11 and 12

==External links==
*[http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=energy&searchEnacted=0&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&TYPE=QS&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=3302159&ActiveTextDocId=3302159&filesize=9649 United Kingdom 2004 Energy Act]
*[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/017/2006017.htm Text of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100127092206/http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/ Government business efficiency portal]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071101050615/http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/review/page31995.html 2006 Government Energy Review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080511041158/http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/policy-strategy/energy-white-paper-2003/page21223.html 2003 Government Energy White Paper: Our Energy Future – Creating a Low Carbon Economy]
*[http://www.greenparty.org.uk/files/reports/2003/aer_2003.pdf 2003 Green Party Alternative Energy Review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20030211040313/http://www.piu.gov.uk/2002/energy/report/index.htm 2002 Government Energy Review]
*[http://www.iea.org/Textbase/stats/oecdcountryresults.asp?oecd=United+Kingdom&SubmitB=Submit International Energy Agency UK energy statistics]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071101050620/http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/statistics/index.html UK Government Energy Statistics]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061008142332/http://www.biofuels.fsnet.co.uk/ Critique of Government biofuels policy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060924151748/http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1143908 Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) on renewable energy]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/uk/06/electricity_calc/html/1.stm Electricity calculator] for 2020
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110722155312/http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy-demand/renewable-energy/2185-analysis-of-renewables-growth-to-2020-aea-report.pdf Analysis of Renewables Growth to 2020]

===In the media===
* 23 May 2007, BBC, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6685099.stm Britain's energy strategy]
* 6 September 2006, ''New Builder'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20060923050337/http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/news/NewsFullStory.asp?ID=1565 Extra Funding For Scottish Renewables]
* 25 July 2006, ''epolitix.com'', [http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200607/ae287700-9947-4f8e-9ea5-a96a5f3ab103.htm House of Lords committee reject European Commission bid for role in energy policy]
* 29 June 2006, ''[[BBC]]'', [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5130806.stm Government promises carbon cuts]
*5 June 2006, ''epolitix.com'', [http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200606/2edec1e6-0240-45b8-be86-2201240861fd.htm Alistair Darling: Electricity profits should be linked to efficiency]
* 26 September 2005, ''[[BBC]]'', [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4284502.stm UK needs yearly climate updates]
{{Policies of the United Kingdom}}{{Europe topic|Energy policy of}}
{{Energy in the United Kingdom|govreg}}
{{World topic|Energy policy of|noredlinks=yes}}

[[Category:Energy policy of the United Kingdom| ]]
[[Category:Energy policy in Europe|United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Energy in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Climate change policy in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Public policy in the United Kingdom]]