Energy revolution risks 'two-tier' society

Britain risks becoming a 'two-tier' energy society, according to a new report out today, which warns modern energy infrastructure such as electric vehicles (EVs), smart meters, and Internet-connected appliances are being adopted unevenly across the country. The report, commissioned by the Drax Group and conducted by Imperial College London and E4tech, breaks down the energy revolution into 20 distinct sectors and tracks progress against a range of metrics, including the rollout of smart meters, hydrogen transport stations, heat pumps, EV chargers, and electric buses.

It warns that regional divides are already emerging, with London and Scotland pulling ahead in terms of their access to new clean energy technologies. In contrast, the North of England and East Midlands lag furthest behind, the study warns. The disconnect risks a two-tier society emerging, argues Dr. Iain Staffell from Imperial College, one of the lead researchers on the report. "The country is going through an energy revolution," he said. "We are creating an energy system which will power our future economy and help tackle climate change."

"But, our research reveals that Britain is at risk of creating a two-tier economy, leaving millions of families and businesses less well equipped to enjoy cheaper bills and better health outcomes," he added. "Our concern is they will not be offered the same opportunities as people living in regions which are modernizing their energy infrastructure. "The differences in the pace of the energy revolution are the result of uneven investment from both national government and local authorities, the report said, as well as variations in average household income.

London is leading the way because of its high provision of public transport - it receives 45 per cent of national funds for rail electrification, for example - and the relatively low cost of owning an electric car in the capital. Residential homes in the capital also tend to be more energy efficient, while households in the south east tend to enjoy higher incomes.