Latest news with #DepartmentForEnergySecurityAndNetZero
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Renewables generate half of UK's electricity in 2024 in new record high
Renewables generated more than half of the UK's power for the first time in 2024 in a new record high for clean electricity sources. Official figures show wind, solar, hydro and biomass generated 50.4% of UK power last year, up from 46.5% in 2023, due to record high levels of wind and bioenergy power. At the same time fossil fuels – mainly gas – fell to a record low share of 31.8% of generation, with Britain's last coal plant shutting in September 2024, the figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show. The share from low carbon sources, which includes nuclear as well as renewable sources rose to nearly two thirds of overall generation (64.7%), a new record high. But gas remained the single biggest source of UK power, at 30.4%, still slightly outpacing wind's contribution of 29.2% of generation – although that is likely to change as more wind farms come online. Greenpeace UK's head of climate, Mel Evans, described the renewables figures as 'fantastic news'. 'More of our electricity than ever before is produced by the wind and the sun as we continue to move away from dirty gas. 'It's also what we are seeing globally as last year renewables made up over nine tenths of new electricity capacity.' But she said that with energy bills 'sky high', the figures highlighted the absurdity of continuing to allow a smaller and smaller proportion of gas to dictate the price of power. Under the current system the price that consumers pay for their electricity is mostly set by the cost of gas, driving up the cost of what households have to pay for power from renewables and nuclear. 'Right now, expensive gas power is pushing up energy bills for households and businesses,' Ms Evans said. 'Until we reform this system and stop gas from setting electricity prices, we're not going to enjoy the full benefits and lower prices that more renewable power can bring.' The figures also showed oil production fell by 8.8% and natural gas production was down 10% with output of both fossil fuels falling to record low levels. Production of oil and gas is 75% below the peak seen in 1999, reflecting the decline in output from the UK's shrinking North Sea reserves. Demand for coal fell in 2024, by 52% to 2.1 million tonnes compared to 2023, as the fuel mix shifted towards other sources of fuel, particularly for electricity generation. The figures also reveal aviation fuel demand rose by 9.4% in 2024, and is now 1.3% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Renewables generate half of UK's electricity in 2024 in new record high
Renewables generated more than half of the UK's power for the first time in 2024 in a new record high for clean electricity sources. Official figures show wind, solar, hydro and biomass generated 50.4% of UK power last year, up from 46.5% in 2023, due to record high levels of wind and bioenergy power. At the same time fossil fuels – mainly gas – fell to a record low share of 31.8% of generation, with Britain's last coal plant shutting in September 2024, the figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show. The share from low carbon sources, which includes nuclear as well as renewable sources rose to nearly two thirds of overall generation (64.7%), a new record high. But gas remained the single biggest source of UK power, at 30.4%, still slightly outpacing wind's contribution of 29.2% of generation – although that is likely to change as more wind farms come online. Greenpeace UK's head of climate, Mel Evans, described the renewables figures as 'fantastic news'. ' More of our electricity than ever before is produced by the wind and the sun as we continue to move away from dirty gas. 'It's also what we are seeing globally as last year renewables made up over nine tenths of new electricity capacity.' But she said that with energy bills 'sky high', the figures highlighted the absurdity of continuing to allow a smaller and smaller proportion of gas to dictate the price of power. Under the current system the price that consumers pay for their electricity is mostly set by the cost of gas, driving up the cost of what households have to pay for power from renewables and nuclear. 'Right now, expensive gas power is pushing up energy bills for households and businesses,' Ms Evans said. 'Until we reform this system and stop gas from setting electricity prices, we're not going to enjoy the full benefits and lower prices that more renewable power can bring.' The figures also showed oil production fell by 8.8% and natural gas production was down 10% with output of both fossil fuels falling to record low levels. Production of oil and gas is 75% below the peak seen in 1999, reflecting the decline in output from the UK's shrinking North Sea reserves. Demand for coal fell in 2024, by 52% to 2.1 million tonnes compared to 2023, as the fuel mix shifted towards other sources of fuel, particularly for electricity generation. The figures also reveal aviation fuel demand rose by 9.4% in 2024, and is now 1.3% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Exact date 100,000s of households need to claim key benefits to qualify for £150 cost of living cash revealed
HUNDREDS of thousands of households will need to claim benefits on a specific day to qualify for this year's Warm Home Discount. The eligibility requirements for the scheme, which automatically credits £150 to a customer's energy account, are similar to last year. 1 There are two Warm Home Discount schemes - one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland. Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do. Between October and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme. However, to be eligible for the discount, you need to be claiming one of nine means-tested benefits on a specific date this month. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the Warm Home Discount, says households must have an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 24: If you aren't claiming any of these benefits on August 24, 2025, you won't be eligible for the payment. However, even if you aren't receiving pension credit on the qualifying date, there's a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later. This is because your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated. For example, successful pension credit claims can be backdated by three months. Could you be eligible for Pension Credit? Claims for Universal Credit can be backdated by one month. Around 700,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it. What is pension credit and how do you apply? PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you are single or to £346.60 if you have a partner. This is known as "guarantee credit". If your income is lower than this, you're very likely to be eligible for the benefit. However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. You could get an extra £82.90 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following: Attendance allowance The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA) The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP) Armed forces independence payment The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate. You could get the "savings credit" part of pension credit if both of the following apply: You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016 You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension This part of pension credit is worth £17.30 for single people or £19.36 for couples. Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts. For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £174.50 a year. Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount. Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. What if I live in Scotland? In Scotland there's a "core group" that'll receive an automatic payment and a "broader group" which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider. You'll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply. The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
