The government says that the current conflict is yet another reminder that the only route to energy security and sovereignty for the UK is to end dependence on fossil fuel markets and accelerate the drive for clean, homegrown power. Although it is focusing on new renewable energy technology, the government also supports nuclear. However, last week, the government brought its annual renewables auction forward to July.
The most recent auction was the biggest ever and alongside the previous auction, enough clean energy to power 23 million homes has been confirmed.
‘Plug-in’ solar panels are low-cost panels that families can put on their balconies or outdoor space. Retailers like Lidl and Amazon, alongside manufacturers such as EcoFlow, are working with government to enable them to be brought to the UK market.
Plug-in solar is already widely used by households across Europe, with Germany seeing around half a million new devices plugged in per year. The free solar power can be used directly through a mains socket like any other device, without an installation cost, thereby reducing the amount of electricity taken from the grid and cutting energy bills.
The easy-to-install technology could save many households significant amounts on their energy bills and help make the UK less reliant on global fossil fuel markets.
The government has taken decisive action in response to the conflict in the Middle East to fight for consumers and businesses on the cost of living, and is speeding up plans for more clean, homegrown energy that the UK controls to ensure energy sovereignty and security.
This is alongside new rules coming into force today (24^th March) implementing the Future Homes Standard, which includes common-sense measures to ensure the majority of new homes are built cheaper to run, with developers being required to install solar panels and clean heating – including heat pumps – as standard.
These measures on new homes could save families up to £830 a year on their energy bills, compared to a standard home with an EPC rating of C. This will ensure they are more comfortable and affordable – and create at least 75 percent less carbon emissions than those built to the 2013 standards.
“The government is determined to fight people’s corner in this crisis, which is why we have acted to prevent unfair practices like price gouging and provided immediate help for the most vulnerable facing spiralling heating oil prices” said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “The Iran War has once again shown our drive for clean power is essential for our energy security so we can escape the grip of fossil fuel markets we don’t control. Whether through solar panels fitted as standard on new homes or making it possible for people to purchase plug-in solar in shops, we are determined to roll out clean power so we can give our country energy sovereignty.”
The government is also announcing an innovative new approach, predominantly benefiting Scotland and East of England, enabling energy companies to offer discounted energy bills to customers on windy days, rather than continuing the previous default practice of paying wind turbines to turn off.
Historic underinvestment in Britain’s electricity grid means wind farms in these areas are being paid to switch off on windy days when the network cannot carry all the clean power they produce. Government will look to bring forward new legislation to ensure more homegrown, clean energy can be passed on as discounted electricity to consumers during these periods.
The Future Homes Standard turns the page on over a decade of failure by previous governments. More than a million homes were built with higher bills following the cancellation of the Zero Carbon Homes standard in 2015 – leaving families exposed to the energy price spike after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Government is now laying the regulations for the Standard and publishing its details. It will put energy in the hands of the British people and help cut bills for good, protecting against fossil fuel price spikes like those triggered by the conflict in Iran.
At the moment, wind farms are often paid to switch off on windy days, because the system can’t use all the power being generated, due to historic underinvestment in the grid required to match this supply with demand across the country
To tackle these so-called “constraint payments”, the Government is launching a new, innovative trial, which would mean that using the generated power would become a more cost-effective option compared to turning turbines off. This will enable suppliers and flexibility service providers to offer households and businesses in areas with constrained renewable generation discounted power during these periods, so that more of the extra electricity can be used rather than wasted. It will predominantly apply to areas in Scotland and the East of England
It comes ahead of households across the country seeing a significant cut to their energy bills next week, with a £117 reduction coming into effect on 1 April, which will be in place until the end of June, saving families money for years to come, whatever the international situation.
“Clean energy just moved into the fast lane” added Sachin Vihbute, HVAC and Heat Pumps Technical Consultant and Product Training Manager, at LG. “The pledge to install heat pumps in new homes alongside plug-in solar signals a renewed focus that could mark a real turning point for homeowner adoption of green technologies. Decarbonising new homes is a logical step in the ambition to be more energy independent. However, we must not lose sight of the millions of people living in older housing stock. Retrofitting these properties with renewable technologies is often more complex and requires specialist skills – yet policy remains light on the training and infrastructure needed to scale this effectively. Manufacturers are already playing a critical role in supporting this transition, investing in innovation and helping to build a skilled workforce ready to meet growing demand. To fully unlock the potential of these significant policies, continued focus on training, skills and installer capacity will be essential.”
For additional information:
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

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