Future of net zero at stake if energy bills go up

• Cost of living is the top concern for UK households, new poll finds
• 88% of households say cutting energy bills is the number one way for the government to support them
• Majority of households support net zero – but 71% would only continue to do so if energy bills don’t rise further
• 65% of net zero opponents would support net zero if it cuts bills
• Octopus is calling for market reform to reduce household energy bills in every region

London, 30th January 2025 – The cost of living crisis is still the most pressing issue facing the country, with 90% of respondents concerned about rising energy prices, a new survey by Opinium shows*.

Nine in ten (88%) identified energy bills as the top priority for the government to help reduce household expenses, ahead of supermarket prices and mortgage and rent costs.

The UK’s net zero ambitions remain popular, but public support is at risk. While more than twice as many people support net zero than don’t (43% vs. 20%), seven out of ten supporters (71%) said their backing hinges on energy prices not rising.

Lower bills would boost public support for net zero even among sceptics. A staggering 65% of people who currently oppose net zero would reconsider their position if the policy led to lower bills.

The UK has among the highest electricity prices in Europe, with household electricity costing almost 25p per kilowatt-hour**.

Due to the outdated UK energy system, which relies on a single national price for energy, households pay millions each month to shut down Scottish wind farms when it’s windy and turn on gas power stations in southern England instead.

Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, said: "British people support net zero, but not if bills rise. We need to reform the market urgently to maintain public backing for cutting emissions.

“Clean energy can be cheaper to generate, but our outdated market means consumers don’t benefit.

“Billpayers are forking out billions to switch off wind farms on windy days while households and industry struggle with high bills - instead of enjoying cheaper energy.

“A modern market could save tens of billions over the next 15 years."

ENDS

Notes to editors

*Opinium survey of 2051 adults living in the UK, weighted to be nationally representative, conducted from 8 - 10 January 2025. Full polling available here.

**Current energy price cap (1st quarter 2025, Ofgem)

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About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting edge energy products to 9 million households globally. Its operations span 26 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.

Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 60 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide.

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