Interest Rates Threaten UK’s Green Energy Shift

A recent report from the Resolution Foundation has sounded a warning regarding the impact of elevated interest rates on the UK's transition to renewable energy. According to the think tank, persistently high borrowing costs could significantly inflate expenses associated with the country's green energy initiatives.

Since the end of COVID-19 restrictions and unrelated geopolitical tensions, interest rates have surged worldwide. This trend, driven by actions taken by central banks to combat inflation, has inflated the costs of investing in crucial infrastructure projects.

The Report

The new analysis suggests that if interest rates remain at current levels, households could face an additional £29 billion in annual energy bills by 2050.

However, despite the challenges posed by elevated interest rates, the report emphasises the importance of accelerating the transition to green energy. According to the think tank, delaying the process is not a viable option, given its critical role in mitigating climate change.

The Resolution Foundation has advocated for quadrupled investment in the UK's energy sector. It argues that substantial investment is the only way to enhance the ‘decarbonisation agenda’.

The report also urges the Government to ease the financial burden on households. It recommends promoting the development of cost-effective renewable energy sources like onshore wind and introducing social tariffs to protect low-income households from the impact of rising costs.

The Resolution Foundation’s Jonathan Marshall said: “If interest rates stay high, energy costs will rise rather than fall in the years ahead. So now is the time for planning on how we deliver the energy investment surge while protecting lower income households, with a greater focus on price reduction in contracts, price protection for vulnerable households and rethinking the role of the state as an investor.”

Impact on Energy Prices

With higher borrowing costs driving up the expenses associated with renewable energy, consumers could face increased energy bills in the years ahead. This could hit households particularly hard as many are already grappling with historically high costs. While the report's call for a fourfold increase in investment may be required for long-term sustainability, it could exert additional pressure on energy prices in the short term.

How Can I Save Money on Energy Bills?

With uncertainty over interest rates, the cost of living and the UK energy market, consumers are looking for ways to save money on their energy more than ever. At UKPower, we can help you compare gas and electricity suppliers to find the cheapest energy prices, switch to a better deal and cut the cost of your energy bills.

Click here to run an energy price comparison, and see if you could be paying less for your gas and electricity.

---