Andy Burnham, the likely next leader of the Labour Party, is being encouraged to adopt a comprehensive clean energy strategy aimed at reducing household energy bills by up to £500 annually. This recommendation comes amid Burnham’s pledge to provide families with “breathing space” amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

An analysis conducted by energy supplier SSE highlights that accelerating the United Kingdom’s transition to clean power, along with encouraging households and businesses to shift from fossil fuels to electricity, could substantially lower energy costs. The company projects that the average household energy bill could decrease by approximately £500 by 2040 and potentially reach a £1,000 reduction by 2050. SSE further suggests these savings could be realized more quickly if levies and policy-related charges were removed from electricity bills, ensuring consumers adopting electric technologies are not penalized.

Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE, identified increasing domestic clean energy production as the government’s most effective tool in reducing bills. He emphasized that many households remain vulnerable to fluctuations in global gas prices, underscoring the need to reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets.

Polling commissioned by SSE indicates strong public support for such measures. Results show that the cost of living continues to be the leading concern among voters, surpassing issues like immigration, economic growth, and healthcare. More than 80% of respondents favor enhancing domestic energy production to reduce dependence on foreign sources, and there is significant backing for the expansion of solar and wind power projects.

Burnham has recently signaled his commitment to swiftly addressing the cost of living crisis once in office. This comes shortly after the energy regulator Ofgem implemented a 13.5% increase in the price cap on July 1, equating to an additional £221 annually for the average household energy bill. The rising cost of energy has become a central political issue ahead of the next general election.

Allies of Burnham are urging him to introduce immediate relief measures upon becoming prime minister. Among the proposed interventions are a one-year freeze on private rents, a cap on bus fares, and a dedicated plan to reduce energy costs for consumers.

Since 2017, approximately 70% of the rise in domestic energy bills has been attributed to global commodity price increases and inflation, highlighting the UK’s ongoing exposure to external market forces. The suggested clean power strategy seeks to mitigate this vulnerability by fostering a more self-sufficient and sustainable energy system.