Story perspectives

UK Energy Secretary Considers Decoupling Electricity Prices from Gas

3/25/2026

Center

Miliband Explores Decoupling

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, is exploring decoupling electricity prices from gas to lower bills.
He discussed this at a Labour Party meeting, referencing eco-entrepreneur Dale Vince's decoupling proposal.
Vince argues the current model, where gas sets electricity costs, inflates bills.
British Gas Chief Executive Chris O'Shea warns bills could rise by about £332 due to oil prices tied to the Iran war.

Left

Reeves Rejects Universal Aid

Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, rejects universal energy bill support and favors targeted aid as a more effective policy.
She criticizes the previous government's approach as irresponsible and unaffordable.
Reeves plans to meet supermarket and bank leaders to discuss customer support and empower Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to tackle price gouging.
The Green Party calls the response inadequate and urges stronger cost-of-living measures.

History

Historical Context

In 2022, the UK grappled with soaring energy costs, prompting Ed Miliband to propose decoupling electricity prices from gas, a move criticized for potentially raising bills. Influenced by geopolitical tensions, gas prices could increase household costs by £332. This situation reflects a broader shift in energy policy, as Rachel Reeves advocated for targeted aid over universal support, emphasizing the need for sustainable pricing structures.

1 of 3

Miliband Explores Decoupling

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, is exploring decoupling electricity prices from gas to lower bills.
He discussed this at a Labour Party meeting, referencing eco-entrepreneur Dale Vince's decoupling proposal.
Vince argues the current model, where gas sets electricity costs, inflates bills.
British Gas Chief Executive Chris O'Shea warns bills could rise by about £332 due to oil prices tied to the Iran war.

1 / 3