Liberal Democrats' Plan to Halve Energy Bills in a Decade: A Step Toward a Greener Future

Today, Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, launched an ambitious new plan to reduce energy bills by 50% over the next decade. I am proud to support this initiative, which aims to break the link between gas prices and electricity prices. At the moment, gas prices dictate the cost of electricity 97% of the time, even though half of the electricity we use in the UK comes from renewable sources, which are much cheaper than gas. This plan will allow us to enjoy clean, affordable energy while taking real action to address the climate crisis.

Currently, typical energy bills for households across the country stand at £1,720 annually. By 2035, under the Liberal Democrat plan, we could see those bills drop by £870, making a real difference for families who are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Investing in Renewable Energy

A key part of our proposal includes moving older, expensive renewable energy projects to cheaper Contracts for Difference (CfD), a policy that was pioneered by Ed Davey when he served as Energy Secretary. This move alone is estimated to cut bills by around £200 a year for the average household. By increasing investment in cheap, clean renewable power and accelerating efforts to improve home insulation, we can help both households and businesses benefit from lower energy costs.

Why This Is So Important for Our Community

In Newbury, families are facing higher energy costs, which are still more than £50 a month higher than they were five years ago. As we continue to feel the strain of high bills, it’s clear that we need a change. The reckless energy policies of the past decade, driven by the Conservative government, have left households paying the price. This is why the Liberal Democrats’ plan is so crucial - by ensuring a reliable, green energy supply, we can reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels and take back control of our energy future.

It’s frustrating to see figures like Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage spreading misleading myths about renewable energy and trying to tie the UK to costly fossil fuels. Their claims that switching to fossil fuels will reduce bills for everyone are simply false. The rising gas prices we’ve seen recently have proven that sticking to fossil fuels only benefits foreign dictators like Vladimir Putin, not the people of the UK.

The Future is Clean, Affordable Energy

The Liberal Democrats' plan is about more than just cutting bills. It’s about ensuring that we transition to a clean, affordable energy future where we no longer have to rely on volatile fossil fuel prices. By breaking the link between gas prices and electricity costs, we can harness the power of our renewable energy sources and ensure that everyone in Newbury benefits from lower bills.

Now is the time for action. The Liberal Democrats are standing up for our community with a clear, practical plan to cut bills and secure a greener future for all of us. It’s time for the Government to act, and I will continue to push for this change on behalf of everyone in Newbury.