Move over wind farms: why some argue cutting costs is the best way to cut carbon
Gas Boilers Outperform Heat Pumps, Says Retiree
Gavin Tait, a 69-year-old resident of Glasgow, proudly identifies as an early adopter of new technology. A decade ago, he used a retirement payout to invest in renewable energy solutions: solar panels, a home battery, and a heat pump. “It seemed like a no-brainer,” he recalls. “I could save money and help the environment—why wouldn’t I?” Initially, the system worked well. His well-insulated home stayed warm, and energy expenses dropped. However, recent winters revealed a shift. “Electricity bills have skyrocketed,” he notes. This year, he and his wife turned off the heat pump, reverting to their gas boiler as a backup.
“I’m an early adopter of new technology,” says Gavin Tait, a 69-year-old from Glasgow, with a hint of pride. So when he received a lump sum on retirement a decade or so ago, he invested in renewable energy: solar panels on the roof, a home battery and a heat pump. “It seemed like a no-brainer,” he recalls. “I could save money and help the environment – why wouldn’t I?”
Gavin’s story mirrors a growing trend. A Censuswide survey for Ecotricity last summer revealed that two-thirds of heat pump owners now face higher heating costs than before. Critics argue this highlights a flaw in government strategy. While heating and transport account for over 40% of the UK’s emissions, they claim progress in replacing gas boilers and petrol cars is slower than expected. Ministers, they say, are fixated on decarbonizing electricity generation, which contributes only about 10% of total emissions. This focus, they argue, inflates electricity prices, making heat pumps and electric vehicles less attractive.
Energy Costs Surge Amid Global Tensions
The issue has intensified with rising oil and gas prices due to Middle Eastern conflicts. Fears of sustained high energy costs have sparked renewed debate over policy priorities. The government maintains that prioritizing renewables will boost energy security by reducing dependence on imported gas, cutting emissions, and eventually lowering bills. But is this approach misguided?
Experts like Sir Dieter Helm, professor of economic policy at Oxford University, challenge this view. “It all depends on what you choose to measure,” he explains. While generating renewable electricity can be affordable, the system to deliver it is not. Electricity must be available constantly, not just during sunny or windy periods. This requires backup generators, extra capacity, and a more expansive grid.
“The UK’s peak electricity demand is around 45 gigawatts (GW), he says. In the past, this could be met with roughly 60GW of capacity from coal, gas and nuclear power stations. As the system shifts towards renewables, far more capacity is needed—not just wind and solar, but backup for when they are not producing.”
According to Sir Dieter, the UK is heading toward 120GW of capacity, driven by renewable energy expansion. Grid upgrades, such as new pylons and power lines, are adding to network charges. Additionally, “balancing costs” include payments to wind farms to curtail output when the grid can’t absorb all electricity. A subsidy scheme once covered about 10% of average household bills, but its impact is now less clear.
System Costs Outpace Generation Savings
Despite falling solar costs due to mass production, the UK’s reliance on expensive offshore wind remains a challenge. Dull winter skies limit the scalability of solar energy, forcing the system to compensate with pricier alternatives. For many, the math doesn’t add up. While heat pumps offer efficiency, their reliance on electricity—now costing 27p per kilowatt-hour—contrasts sharply with gas at under 6p. “It’s simple,” Gavin says. “Economically, it just doesn’t stack up.”
As the grid grows in size and complexity, so do its costs. Critics suggest that by prioritizing electricity generation over heating and transport, the government may be overlooking the bigger picture. The question remains: is the focus on clean power the right path, or is it diverting attention from where emissions reductions are most urgent?