Miliband: Logical to say energy bills will reduce under clean energy policies
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Ed Miliband has argued it is “completely logical” to suggest energy bills will reduce amid doubts over whether the Government’s net zero policies will benefit consumers. The Energy Secretary told MPs that the drive towards “clean energy” is the only way to “get bills down sustainably” in the UK, adding the Conservatives used to believe this until they went on an “anti-net zero crusade”.
His remarks came as Tory MPs questioned whether the Government would be able to deliver on its pledge to reduce energy bills by £300 and how they could justify spending on net zero projects while pensioners “go cold this winter” following a benefit cut.
Speaking in the Commons, Conservative MP Charlie Dewhirst highlighted a report by the National Energy Systems Operator (Neso) which said Labour’s plan to decarbonise the grid by the end of the decade is a “huge challenge” but it is “achievable”.
The public body responsible for running the grid said overall costs to consumers will not necessarily rise as a result of the policy, and bills could even fall in the long run, as the power system becomes less exposed to international gas prices. Mr Dewhirst, the MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, asked: “Can the Secretary of State answer this clearly: does the Neso report forecast higher or lower energy bills under his policy?”.
