Does Liz Truss’s plan offer solutions to the UK’s energy crisis? Our panel’s verdict
The country is facing multiple crises of staggering proportions: an energy security crisis, a cost of living scandal, and an accelerating climate emergency. This moment required bold, visionary thinking grounded in compassion – not cold and outdated economic dogma.
It did not call for fracking – a disaster for climate policy, and a measure which would fail to meet even 1% of our energy needs for more than three years.
It did not call for a suspension of green levies, when we know that 90% of the rise in the price cap is caused by spiralling global gas prices.
And while it did call for a price cap freeze, it should not be at the unaffordable rate of £2,500 when households are already struggling to make ends meet – it must be backdated to last October’s level, and accompanied by measures including reinstating and doubling the universal credit uplift.
We urgently need a retrofit revolution, a massive investment in domestic insulation to deliver warmer homes and lower bills – yet Liz Truss failed to even mention the words “energy demand reduction” or “efficiency”.
It called for policies that will help deliver energy security while simultaneously incentivising demand reduction for wealthier households. A rising block tariff, for example, would help end fuel poverty and ensure proper targeting of support for the poorest.
And with new renewables now nine times cheaper than gas, the 650 wind and solar projects oven-ready and waiting can and should be delivered right now.
The prime minister wanted to “deliver” – but she has delivered sticking plasters rather than a bold vision of clean, green and affordable energy for the long term.
Caroline Lucas is the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion
Liz Truss’s intervention to freeze the energy price
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