Georgia Tinson, Communications and Press Officer, Association for Decentralised Energy:
“Record temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather are now the hallmark of the British summer – and an election called for July will be starkly framed against the backdrop of an ever-worsening climate. Approximately 82% of UK emissions are attributed to energy despite the UK having one of the strongest renewable generation fleets in the world.
“The next government must ensure that smart, local and low-carbon energy is at the heart of the decision-making in their first 100 days. Championing the technologies that the ADE represents is essential to decarbonising the power sector and crucial for the UK’s transition to net zero, and all prospective MPs must prioritise this.”
Yselkla Farmer, chief executive, BEAMA:
“The next government has a simple decision to make. Create an environment for growth and prosperity based on a successful green economy or drive away billions of pounds of private investment and risk jobs with policy uncertainty and delay.
“Whoever wins the upcoming General Election, they will need to prioritise a stable policy environment, with clarity from Government that allows the innovative, high-impact solutions from industry that will tackle the structural challenges to building a low cost, low carbon and secure energy system.”
Rollo Maschietto, Public Affairs Manager, Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA):
“The upcoming election is a pivotal moment for the UK. The next administration will make decisions that will determine whether we meet our net zero targets or fall short. The only way to ensure enduring energy security and an affordable energy system is by ending our reliance on volatile imported fossil fuels by moving to renewables and clean technologies. It is thanks to our members that the wider renewable and low carbon sector has grown, whilst delivering more value, resilient energy security, and developing the economy. This election is a chance for voters to prioritise climate action and for politicians to demonstrate their commitment to a greener future.”
David Whitehouse, chief executive, Offshore Energies UK:
“Offshore Energies UK is proud to represent over 400 organisations and their skilled people across our world class offshore energy industry and in every parliamentary constituency. As the country prepares to decide on its future government on 4 July, we call on all parties to choose a homegrown energy transition. A transition that safeguards jobs, energy security and accelerates economic growth. Policy decisions made by the new government will be felt for decades to come. This General Election campaign is an opportunity for all parties to support our world class industry and its people.”
Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer, Npower Business Solutions:
“Today’s announcement of a 4 July General Election will have taken many by surprise, and over the coming weeks, we will see multiple policy promises from across the political spectrum as they seek to secure the business vote.
“For businesses, there will be several areas that they will be looking at. We know that energy remains a key challenge for many organisations, not just in terms of reducing costs but also how they can switch to a green supply and play their part in the net zero transition.
“In our last two Business Energy Tracker reports, businesses have told us that they want significantly more government support to invest in energy reduction measures, so they can better manage their demand, reduce emissions and reinvest in their operations. This is something we have long campaigned for and needs to be a key priority for the next government.
“They also want a modern, sustainable and secure energy system that supports their long-term net zero ambitions. Without business investment, many of our energy and net zero goals won’t be possible, so supporting business is supporting economic growth, employment and national prosperity.
“As such, this needs to be a pro-business, energy-focussed election”