The UK risks creating a ‘two-tier’ energy transition unless cleaner and smarter energy technologies become more affordable and accessible, according to a new report from E.ON and the Purpose Coalition.
The report, ‘Powering Fairer Energy: Breaking Down Barriers‘, argues that the success of the energy transition will increasingly be judged on its ability to deliver lasting reductions in household energy bills, rather than short-term financial support.
Research commissioned by E.ON found that 91% of households feel under financial pressure from energy bills and support the expansion of long-term sustainable energy schemes.
Almost six in 10 (59%) said they would prefer measures that provide long-term cost security rather than short-term support, while 64% said high energy costs are negatively affecting their quality of life.
The research also highlighted concerns about unequal access to energy-saving technologies. Seven in 10 (70%) respondents said it was unfair that some households can access technologies that reduce bills while others cannot.
E.ON said public awareness of home battery technology remains low, with 73% of people unaware that home batteries can reduce energy costs without being paired with solar panels.
Chris Norbury (pictured, right), CEO of E.ON UK, said: “Households want more than temporary help with bills. They want lasting change and more control over how and when they use energy.
“The transition to clean power will only succeed if people feel the benefits in their everyday lives – otherwise we risk creating a two-tier energy system where those who need help the most are unable to access the technologies that lower bills for the long term.”
“That means making batteries, flexibility and smart energy systems available to more households, not just those who can afford the upfront cost.
“We’ve already shown by investing directly in people’s homes, we can cut bills by £250 on average, delivering savings now and for the long term while increasing energy security, reducing network pressure, and creating jobs.
“That’s how we make new energy work for everyone.”
The report outlined four priority areas: affordability, sustainability, inclusion and system transformation.
E.ON said its affordability measures include £200m of targeted financial support through E.ON Next, alongside smart tariffs and flexibility solutions designed to shift energy use to cheaper periods.
The company is also working with local authorities on projects aimed at reducing energy costs through batteries, solar panels and smart energy systems.
These include schemes providing free batteries to households in Coventry, Starbeck and Crowle, as well as a programme with Glasgow City Council focused on tackling child poverty.
Rt Hon Justine Greening (pictured, left), chair of the Purpose Coalition and former secretary of state for education, said: “The clean energy transition will only succeed if people can see and feel the benefits in their everyday lives.
“This report highlights the growing importance of making affordability central to the transition, ensuring that cleaner, smarter energy solutions are accessible not just to those able to invest upfront, but to households and communities across the country.
“E.ON’s work demonstrates how batteries, flexibility and local energy systems can help lower bills, strengthen resilience and create a fairer energy future for everyone.”
The report also argued that a more flexible and localised energy system could reduce pressure on the grid, improve energy security and create new jobs while helping households manage long-term energy costs.