A: This is not a utopian dream, it’s basic economics. Energy pricing is artificially inflated and supports vast industry profits. Our successful campaign to reclaim this money via windfall taxes will raise tens of £billions, and much larger sums are available with higher rates, loopholes closed and fossil fuel subsidies removed. We are simply reclaiming the money currently being taken from us.
And whilst fossil fuel costs rise, renewable costs are falling fast. Windpower now produces electricity for under 5p per kWh, a fraction of gas generation. We are campaigning for reform of the electricity market and renewable expansion to drive down costs and pricing to affordable levels. This includes support for the Green Power Pool where renewables provide affordable energy and profits are tightly controlled by CfD contracts.
A: Essential energy is a universal need and right, not limited to those deemed to qualify and able to jump through the right hoops. And inflated energy pricing is a universal problem. We know millions of people fall through the cracks of the benefits system and are left without the energy they need. 3 million homes are in fuel poverty but don’t qualify for means-tested benefits. Universality ensures there is a safety net for everyone.
No. It’s actually the current system that helps wealthy homes compared to poorer ones forced to pay more per unit via standing charges and not being on direct debt, or only having electric heating. The Energy Price Guarantee also most helps those with big homes or wasteful use. In contrast, Energy For All charges more per unit for luxury usage to incentivise them to cut energy waste. The top 10% of energy users will pay more in our system, larger homes with luxuries like private pools.
A: Excluding people does reduce the headline cost, but risks leaving millions who need support without it. It’s a false economy given health costs, and the apparent “saving” ends up as excess profits for energy giants rather than helping squeezed households. And schemes face range of other issues:
They generally mean big savings for big users, whilst those in dangerously underheated homes are often given less help. Judging people’s needs based on how much energy they have used in the past is intrinsically unfair and positively dangerous. Many people who need a lot of energy have used very little because they cannot pay for it. That doesn’t mean they should be deprived in the future!
Eligibility is a big issue. People in great need often miss out completely because they don’t fit the specific criteria chosen. Income £1 too high, or variable due to self-employment, or incorrect government data, or flawed disability assessments, or any of the other well-known problems! And some people don’t claim the benefit – which is a huge issue with pension credit. Overall, we don’t trust the government to solve these many complex challenges any time soon.
Cliff-edges. Some schemes offer big discounts e.g. 50% to some whilst giving 0% to someone earning £1 more per year, which is obviously totally unfair.
Lack of energy security. They provide zero guarantee for those suffering from energy starvation and underheating their homes. A discount is not much use if you don’t have the money to benefit.
Lack of energy efficiency incentive. Discounts encourage high energy usage and undermine energy efficiency improvements.
A: More essential energy will be provided free for those with greater needs - for example older or disabled people who need extra warmth, or larger families. Most of this information is already available and widely used. EPC data is patchy, and energy efficiency audits will be used to plug gaps, assess needs and identify improvement opportunities.
A: We have long fought against the injustices suffered by those on prepayment meters, and forced installs are currently banned and charges are to be equalised. But millions still face disconnection and extreme rationing from these dangerous devices. We are demanding the disconnection function be switched off and the removal of standing charges which are a barrier to basic energy availability. The daily threat of losing energy supply will be replaced by a guaranteed energy supply.
A: Inflated energy prices combined with low incomes have created a large energy debt problem. By providing free essential energy, and removing standing charges, struggling households will be protected and given valuable breathing space so they are not forced to choose between heating and eating. Or face the threat of forced entry to fit a prepayment meter. We will help and support those struggling not allow them to be punished and harassed by badly regulated operators and contractors.
A: The 2 million electric-only homes face a 3x higher unit price for heating and hot water which forces many to underheat their homes. In parallel with pushing for wholesale market reform we will ensure sufficient heating to keep these homes warm too. The 2 million with oil, LPG and other fuels will also get an equivalent level of support.
A: EVERYONE will be supported by Energy For All regardless of their home or heating situation. We have been fighting for these often forgotten groups for many years, and guaranteeing everyone a supply of essential energy for all will ensure equal and fair treatment.
A: All these are essential too, and are great investments. By charging more for wasted energy, we improve the incentives for energy efficiency for the affluent, and government support for low income homes. Tax incentives will be used to improve the private rental sector. But it’s critical work is done carefully to avoid overpriced and bad quality installations leading to issues such as damp
A: Because most people are still dependent on fossil fuels to stay warm. We need to transition as soon as possible, but people should not be left to freeze in the interim. We need to accelerate renewables expansion including onshore wind and rooftop solar. Given they are now cheaper than fossil fuels, the speed of transition should increase.
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