Britain’s government outlined plans on Tuesday (21 April) to reduce household energy bills by encouraging wind and solar producers to adopt long-term fixed contracts.
The initiative aims to sever the link between volatile gas prices and electricity costs in the world’s fifth-largest economy, where the two have historically been closely tied.
The UK’s centre-left government hopes voluntary long-term contracts with renewable suppliers will eventually cover around a third of the nation’s power supply.
Officials said Britain had moved from gas setting electricity prices around 90% of the time in the early 2020s to roughly 60% today.
UK domestic energy prices are forecast to rise by more than 10% from July, as the regulator implements its quarterly price cap adjustment. Wholesale gas costs are currently about 30% higher than before the Middle East conflict began at the end of February.
The increase in electricity costs threatens the Labour-led government’s pledge to lower energy bills, at a time when the party is trailing in second or third place in most opinion polls.
"As we face the second fossil fuel shock in less than five years, the lesson for our country is clear: the era of fossil fuel security is over, and the era of clean energy security must come of age," Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said.
excess profits from wind and solar generators when electricity prices surge — to 55% from 45%.
The government also plans to overhaul planning and land-use rules to accelerate grid connections and infrastructure upgrades. It aims to make it easier for renters and flat-dwellers to install EV chargers, solar panels and heat pumps.
Opening up public land for renewable energy projects - including brownfield, industrial and railway sites - could allow for up to 10 gigawatts of new capacity, according to the government’s plans.
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The Kremlin has said it will pursue all available legal avenues if Britain proceeds with plans to sell Russian crude oil seized from a tanker earlier this month.
Brazil and Mexico secured statement wins at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vinícius Jr starred in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Mexico beat Czechia to finish top of Group A. South Africa also made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
Tehran has agreed to let the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommence inspections of its nuclear programme, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said. The U.S. and Iran have settled on a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal, according to mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
Villagers took part in Dragon Boat Festival celebrations on 24 June in Foshan, Guangdong province, where traditional racing was held on the narrow, winding Diejiao River.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity, despite Tehran's denials, and that unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy humanitarian supplies from the United States.
China's legal profession is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence increasingly takes over the routine work that has traditionally launched the careers of junior lawyers.
The Kremlin has said it will pursue all available legal avenues if Britain proceeds with plans to sell Russian crude oil seized from a tanker earlier this month.
At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
A worsening cholera outbreak and escalating violence are deepening Sudan's humanitarian crisis, with more than 700 suspected cholera cases and 105 deaths reported in West Kordofan since mid-May, according to health authorities.
A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has caused widespread disruption, with power outages reported in parts of France, emergency heat alerts issued in the United Kingdom and Spain, and growing pressure on energy and transport systems across the continent.
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