Energy bills to RISE next year for transition to green power: "Another straw on the camel's back for households"

HOUSEHOLD energy bills are set to rise next year for the “transition to green power” - as experts slam the plan as “another straw on the camel's back for households”.

Industry regulator Ofgem has drafted plans to give provisional approval to a £24billion investment programme from April 2026 to 2031 - four times current levels.

It would see 80 major projects go ahead including upgrades to over 2,700 miles of overhead power lines - as part of efforts to maintain energy security during the transition to green power.

It's expected to see household bills go up by £24 a year from April 2026 as expansion is made to renewable and nuclear energy infrastructure to meet net zero ambitions, Ofgem said.

Kundan Bhaduri, Entrepreneur at The Kushman Group, said it's “another straw on the camel's back for households” in a cost-of-living crisis.

He added: "The relentless, ideological pursuit of Net Zero cannot be divorced from the economic reality on the ground. 

"While £24 a year might be dismissed as trivial by those in echoing Whitehall corridors, it is yet another straw on the camel's back for households managing a cost-of-living crisis. 

"For landlords, it means our tenants' budgets are squeezed further, increasing pressure on rents. For business owners, it's another unpredictable overhead. This isn't some enlightened green investment freely entered into. 

"This a non-negotiable green levy, imposed by regulatory fiat, with the consumer and small business owner footing the bill as always. Asking if customers 'need' this is to ask a question so obvious that its answer is insulting. New Labour, same old virtue signalling policies."

Tony Redondo, Founder at Cosmos Currency Exchange, said it will hit households and businesses.

He added: "The UK has already reduced its carbon emissions by over 50% since 1990. Customers need another price increase like a hole in the head. It worsens affordability for all, households and businesses alike. 

“And without coordinated international action, it’s meaningless with the likes of China constructing two new coal-powered plants per week as they add 94.5 gigawatts (GW) of new coal power capacity, the highest since 2015, representing about 19 times more than the rest of the world combined.”

Keith Budden, Managing Director at Ensurety, said the investment is needed for the UK.

He continued: "While no one welcomes higher bills, this could be a chance to reframe the conversation. Just as we’ve seen in data compliance, when people understand the long-term value, like greater security or resilience, they’re more willing to engage. 

“Could the energy sector borrow from that playbook and make investment impacts clearer and more relatable?”