However, it could also be a golden opportunity to move Britain towards a much lower carbon future. This would not only mean that we're 'doing our bit' to save the planet from climate change, but it would also stabilise our household fuel bills.
You see, at the moment, the UK, like most countries, gets the bulk of it's energy requirements from coal, gas, and oil. The cost of these are all subject to market forces, which explains why our annual energy bills are constantly changing, usually in an upwards direction.
With renewable energy though, whilst it may seem expensive to install, it's long-term costs are both low and stable. That's because the fuel (from wind, wave, and solar) comes free and the solar panels, turbines etc. that generate it, are low maintenance. Admittedly, the UK can't get all it's energy from renewables, but there's no reason why we can't get around 25% of our needs from them. Add in some new nuclear, energy saving measures, and a smart grid, and we've got ourselves a modern, clean, reliable, low cost, home grown energy system.
So, if we want cheaper, more predictable bills in the future, we go for renewables now.
Which brings me back to that Energy Bill.
If we are to encourage more renewables, then one of the best things the government can do is commit to a long-term carbon target. This would give private investors the confidence to commit their money to green energy. Which would give our economy a much needed boost and generate thousands of new jobs.
This was why many were calling on the government to set a target for 2030.
Unfortunately, the self-proclaimed 'greenest government ever' appears to be run by the chancellor, George Osborne, and he is more interested in a new dash-for-gas which would clearly screw any carbon target.
So, guess what? They decided not to set a target. Way to create uncertainty guys!
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