Cutting Red Tape: Clear Policies Key to Unleashing Businesses’ Net Zero Potential

Unlocking Net Zero Potential: The Future of Energy in the UK

Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer, npower Business Solutions

For over two years, UK organisations have faced the challenges of unpredictable wholesale energy markets, leading to increased costs amidst the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope as prices are showing a downward trend, reaching three-year lows according to our team’s latest reports.

However, with a new Labour government at the helm in Number 10 Downing Street, a significant challenge awaits. While the government’s commitment to transforming Britain into a Clean Energy Superpower and prioritising planning system reforms, including ending the ban on onshore wind, sounds promising, implementation will take time and effort.

If the new government can streamline regulations, particularly around energy infrastructure, it could unlock substantial net zero potential across the UK public and private sectors.

Insights from our Business Energy Tracker report highlight the need for policy clarity to support organisations in making essential investments for the energy and net zero transitions.

Key findings include:

• Support for reducing energy demand through incentives for energy efficiency measures and on-site generation.
• Appeal for a decrease in non-commodity costs to simplify and reduce expenses on business invoices.
• Advocacy for cutting red tape hindering renewables schemes from meeting planning procedures swiftly.

Join the Red Tape Challenge

Public and private organisations play a vital role in achieving the UK’s energy security and net zero goals. Engaging with the government to voice concerns and suggestions on energy and net zero policies is crucial.

Introducing the Red Tape Challenge, a campaign aimed at uniting organisations, partners, and stakeholders to influence government decisions concerning energy and net zero policies.

We invite organisations to participate in the Red Tape Challenge to provide input on policies affecting their operations and to collaborate with the government in accelerating towards net zero targets.

Share your challenges with red tape and policy feedback here.

Accelerating Towards a Sustainable Future

Collaboration between businesses and the government is essential in propelling the UK towards achieving energy security and net zero targets.

For more detailed insights, access the 2024 Business Energy Tracker report at npowerbusinesssolutions.com/businessconfidence2024.

For the complete article, check out the July/August 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.