A brief guide

By the end of 2014, 2.33 million households will be affected by fuel poverty.

Nearly half the energy we use is used for heating.

The UK imports 56% of its gas.

In the last year, 3.7 GW of power generation has been lost by closure of coal & gas power stations

1.1 GW of wind energy has been connected to the network.

The National Grid recently published a report claiming four possible outcomes for Britain’s future energy supply and demand.

Each of the four chart a different course in terms of economic growth, political leadership and sustainability.

This scenario pictures a world where Europe and the UK are in harmony over energy needs.

There would be lots of innovation in the energy sector.

Consumers and taxpayers actively increasing their energy efficiency.

All environmental targets hit.

There is slow or negligible growth in the UK Economy.

There is political enthusiasm for energy efficiency but the UK government lacks the money to do it.

Levels of innovation in new technology in energy sector are low.

There is low uptake of energy efficient products due to lack of affordability and energy targets are missed.

UK economic recovery is very slow.

Confused or little government action on energy efficiency, resulting in lack of investor confidence.

Gas remains the preferred choice over renewables and there is little progress in new energy innovation.

Consumers not engaged with energy efficiency.

Environmental targets missed.

In this scenario, there is a growing UK economy.

There is some short-term political disagreement, but decarbonisation is generally favoured

High innovation in the energy sector in favour of renewables.

Energy efficiency not a priority for customers, but there is a high uptake of electric vehicles.

Carbon target hit, but no new environmental targets set.

Economic output, i.e. how fast will the UK economy grow?

How many houses will be built in the coming decades? There are currently 3.7 million homes needed over the next 20 years to meet demand.

The price of electricity, coal and carbon over the coming 20 years.

Trends in consumer behaviour.