Britain | Energy conservation

Why is the British government so reluctant to tell people to conserve energy?

A new poll suggests it would be popular

KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 03: Recently constructed show homes are illuminated for potential buyers on a new housing estate on February 03, 2022 in Knutsford, United Kingdom. The energy regulator OFGEM has brought forward the announcement of the increase in the energy price cap to reflect the record high gas energy market prices caused by the global crisis in supply. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

From october 1st British household energy bills will be subsidised by the government under its “energy price guarantee” scheme. At times of high gas and electricity prices, the cost to the state will be eye-watering. You might think, therefore, that the government would be keen to reduce domestic energy demand—especially given the markets’ waning confidence in its ability to balance the books.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Nanny knows best”

How not to run a country

From the October 1st 2022 edition

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