Foreword

Dear Policymakers,

Energy has been a pivotal issue in recent years. Over the course of the last Parliament, we have seen security of supply shocks, the increasing geopolitical impact on our energy system, the continued threat of climate change and a cost-of-living crisis. 

The good news is that as we embark on an exciting upgrade to our nation’s energy infrastructure, what is good for our climate, is also good for consumers and communities. 2025 marks 25 years until we need to reach our net zero target. Net zero presents a huge opportunity for the UK and by working together, we can deliver a secure, sustainable and affordable energy market, which not only delivers for households and businesses, but creates skilled jobs and drives economic growth.

Creating an energy market that is secure, relies on an environment that encourages investment. Robust, diverse, and secure supply chains are vital, alongside stable policy and regulatory frameworks that balance key objectives around energy security and driving net zero.

Centrica is playing an important role in supporting the UK’s energy security. We manage over £70bn worth of long-term gas supply contracts, which are critical in ensuring households across the UK have energy when they need it. During the energy crisis, we re-opened our huge Rough gas storage facility under the North Sea to help protect consumers and the country from volatile energy markets. As a country surrounded by depleted gas fields and gas infrastructure, the UK has a unique opportunity to harness our expertise and infrastructure to become a world leader in sectors like hydrogen and to underpin our energy security as we transition to net zero.

As the owner of British Gas, which serves households right across the UK, we know that the most crucial choices start at home. Every household faces significant decisions about decarbonisation. Upgrading to energy efficient appliances, investing in home insulation and low carbon heating solutions are just a few of the steps we must take. These decisions are not merely about reducing our carbon footprints; they are about future-proofing our homes, lowering energy costs, and contributing to the national effort to combat climate change for future generations. We believe passionately that these choices should be made with consumers, so we can build the public support we need for net zero.

With many households still facing a cost-of-living crisis, we need to make sure the costs of the energy transition do not fall on the shoulders of those who can least afford them. British Gas has committed £140 million to support customers with their bills, but we believe more sustainable long-term reforms are required to make the energy market greener and fairer.

The energy choices we make over the term of the new Parliament will be pivotal in securing a sustainable future. The Government’s ambition is to turn the UK into a clean energy superpower, with stable bills, secure energy, and decarbonised homes. To achieve this, we need the private and public sectors working together. Government can do a lot to unlock investment and companies such as Centrica stand ready to invest. We have a once in a generation opportunity to lead the way in creating a resilient, green energy system that benefits everyone. Now is the time for decisive action and collaboration to power the UK towards a greener, fairer, future.

We look forward to working with policymakers in the years ahead to deliver on these ambitions.

Chris O’Shea
Chief Executive Officer,
Centrica plc

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