Election: Voters prioritise renewables over cutting green levies

Following more than two years of high energy bills, a majority of voters in the upcoming General Election (58%) would prioritise expanding UK supplies of renewable energy over a minority (25%) who would prioritise drilling for more oil and gas and cutting so-called ‘green levies’, polling shows.

The poll, by Focaldata for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) [1] shows that of those voters who voted Conservative in 2019 but now plan to vote Labour in the upcoming Election, this rises to 69% who would prioritise expanding UK’s renewable energy over 20% who supported fossil fuels.

Overall, 48% of the public blamed the Russian Government’s reducing gas supplies for high energy bills, with 44% blaming profiteering by oil and gas companies; for Conservative to Labour switchers, these figures rise to 63% and 60% respectively.

In total, only 9% or those polled blamed ‘green levies’ for high energy bills. Additionally, 35% of people (and 46% of Conservative to Labour switchers) thought that the best short-term solution to high energy bills is a windfall tax.

Commenting on the findings, Alasdair Johnstone at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “Most voters are clear – and correct – on who’s to blame for high energy bills in recent years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resultant spike in energy prices exposed the UK’s over-reliance on gas in the most brutal way; but voters can also see the way out, by investing in more renewable energy to get us off hook of volatile gas markets.

“It’s also notable that, despite vociferous attempts from some quarters to point the blame at so-called ‘green levies’, this doesn’t wash with voters. Time and time again, attempts to create wedges over green issues don’t work with the public instead seeing the value in bolstering clean energy.”

The polling also found that 41% (and 51% Conservative to Labour switchers) think that the best long-term solution to the energy crisis is to decrease dependence on gas and transition to renewable energy; picking as the top response. In addition, 13% backed more insulation for homes, 12% more drilling for oil and gas (2% Conservative to Labour switchers), and 7% fracking (0% Conservative to Labour switchers).

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Polling by Focaldata of 1500 GB adults between 24th – 28th May 2024.

⁠2. The cost of gas is the main reason bills have been high, not green levies. ⁠Green levies, officially known as ‘policy costs’ by Ofgem, help to pay for both social and environmental policies, they are not purely ‘green’. These policies help to install energy efficiency measures into low income and vulnerable households and fund the Warm Homes Discount which gives elderly people £150 off their winter heating bill.

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net