Overview
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed an extra £1.5bn, taking the programme to nearly £15bn, with details due within weeks.
- Reports say up to £13bn over four years would back rooftop solar, heat pumps and home batteries for millions of homes, with ministers saying some properties could approach “zero bill” and Octopus Energy estimating up to 1 million could qualify if well insulated.
- Ministers are expected to relax rules for plug‑in solar units usable on balconies and patios without specialist installers, even as insurer QBE cites rising solar‑related fire incidents.
- Delivery options under discussion include grants and no‑upfront schemes repaid via energy bills over five to ten years in partnership with banks and suppliers, with greater upfront help planned for lower‑income households.
- A roughly £30 annual gas‑bill levy to reduce electricity prices is being considered, a move backed by Octopus policy staff but criticised by Labour donor Dale Vince for fairness concerns.