Manageable Energy Costs for Households in 2030

In the coming years, several policy changes are expected to have a significant impact on household energy bills, including ETS2, the green gas blending obligation, changes to energy taxation, and changes to grid tariffs. This study examines the impact of these measures on household energy bills and fuel and charging costs, as well as the annual savings that households can achieve through sustainability measures. The report also examines the practical feasibility of these measures for households with smaller grid connections.

Four Policy Recommendations

• Continue to pursue policies that make improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of homes and cars more attractive, such as maintaining favourable energy tax rates for electricity relative to gas, reducing energy taxes on electricity, the ERE system, ETS2, and policies promoting the self-consumption of solar power. The green gas blending obligation will help make gas consumption more sustainable while increasing the financial incentive to electrify.
• Provide a financial safety net for households that cannot afford rising energy costs, while helping them implement structural measures such as improving the energy efficiency of their homes, adopting smart energy management, and improving insulation.
• Continue to encourage insulation measures. Insulation remains a logical step towards reducing energy consumption and household energy bills.
• Smart control of appliances can also help reduce energy bills and alleviate grid congestion. Remove barriers to the adoption of smart controls, support installers, and provide households with clearer information about the financial benefits of energy-efficiency improvements and smart energy management.