Record clean power trims imports
Wind and solar supplied 41% of UK electricity so far in 2026, cutting the need for gas-fired generation by nearly 10% year-on-year. Carbon Brief analysis shows this avoided more than 100 LNG tanker deliveries and saved £5.9 billion in gas imports since the Hormuz crisis began in February.
Bills stay steadier despite gas spikes
September gas prices hit 189p per therm, the highest since the 2022 crisis. Yet household electricity bills have held relatively steady. Andrew Sissons, director for sustainable future at Nesta, said "the link between electricity and gas prices has already begun to break". Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh noted bills remain high because the UK is "exposed to global fossil-fuel markets".
What it means for your home
Domestic solar and battery systems let households capture the same benefit on a smaller scale by cutting grid imports during peak-price hours. We have seen how this works in practice with families who added panels, heat pumps and storage to reach zero bills. One Milton Keynes household joined Octopus’s Zero Bills tariff after a full retrofit.
Next steps for homeowners
The ECO4 scheme still offers funding for eligible low-income homes until the end of 2026. Certified installers and the Smart Export Guarantee can turn excess generation into extra income. Check your roof orientation and get quotes from MCS-accredited firms to see what savings are realistic for your property. Compare current energy deals on our gas and electricity pages to keep bills down while the shift to renewables continues.
