Public support for the UK’s energy transition shows signs of weakening as concerns grow over energy costs and the distribution of expenses associated with decarbonization.
The British Parliament’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee warns that the Government has placed too much emphasis on emissions targets and the concept of Net Zero. In its view, communication should more clearly explain the practical effects the transition may have on households.
The issue arises at a particularly sensitive time for British energy policy. The cost-of-living crisis and high bills have made affordability a central issue for consumers.
Costs gain weight over emissions
Furthermore, signs of change in public opinion are already appearing in surveys. A YouGov poll for the Energy and Utilities Alliance indicated that 60% of British adults considered it important for the country to meet its Net Zero commitments by 2050.
However, that proportion was 69% in 2024 and 65% in 2025. At the same time, those who considered the target unimportant rose from 21% in 2024 to 31% in 2026.
The survey also showed a shift in energy priorities. 57% of respondents ranked energy bills as a priority, while 22% pointed to energy security and 10% chose the reduction of carbon emissions.
Thus, the energy transition debate is progressively shifting from climate targets to issues directly related to household budgets.
Energy security can shift the debate
Additionally, the committee believes that energy security offers a way to better explain the benefits of the transition.
The war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and recent energy crises have increased focus on British exposure to international fossil fuel markets, where prices can experience sharp fluctuations.
In this context, a greater share of renewable energy could reduce that exposure and strengthen the resilience of the energy system. The committee considers that this link between clean energy and national security should occupy a larger space in public communication.
The argument thus broadens the debate beyond carbon emissions. The transition can also be linked to supply stability and the UK’s capacity to withstand international market disruptions.
Energy efficiency faces an economic barrier
On the other hand, the willingness of households to improve their homes does not always translate into investment. Three-quarters of households show interest in making energy efficiency improvements. However, the upfront cost and limited knowledge of available grants hold back many decisions.
The committee also warns about how some energy policy costs are recovered. Levies included in electricity bills can represent a larger proportion of income for lower-income households.
Therefore, MPs propose that no household in fuel poverty or at risk of falling into it should be financially disadvantaged by the costs of decarbonization.
The distributional issue thus becomes one of the central points for maintaining social support. Households with poorly insulated homes or those in rented accommodation may have less capacity to invest, despite being among those who could benefit most from more efficient housing.
Installers and SMEs can play a larger role
Likewise, the committee notes that local professionals are often a source of trust when consumers need information on heating, insulation, and energy improvements.
However, these actors have had a limited presence in public communication strategies.
The report proposes developing a specific strategy for SMEs and installers, with tailored training and support. The intention is to leverage the direct contact these professionals maintain with households to facilitate decisions on energy efficiency and heating systems.
The term “Net Zero” loses prominence
Finally, the committee proposes reviewing the language used by the Government itself. MPs believe that the expression “Net Zero” has acquired such political weight that it can distract from the concrete results of energy policy. Therefore, they recommend reducing its use in certain public communications.
Instead, they propose a cross-governmental strategy that explains benefits linked to health, economic growth, food security, energy security, and national resilience.
The challenge for the UK then lies in moving the transition from broad climate targets toward everyday issues such as energy prices, home insulation, and supply stability. Public support will also depend on how costs are distributed and the Government’s ability to explain these effects.
Source: Energy Live News
Photo: Shutterstock
