CCC urges faster electrification

The UK is facing higher energy bills because electrification is not happening fast enough, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

The CCC recognised that overall emissions fell 1.8% in 2025 and that the UK is on track to meet the fourth and fifth carbon budgets. 

It noted electric vehicle uptake continues to grow, with nearly one in four new car sales now electric. A record amount of new renewable energy was also contracted in the latest auction, and peatland restoration has increased by 26%. 

However, progress in electrification has slowed in other areas including heat pump installations in existing homes – up just 7% this year compared to 56% the year before. The share of electricity in industrial energy use also fell slightly last year.

Nigel Topping, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “The transition to clean electricity is not happening fast enough. Government support to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles and heat pumps is critical, not only to keep our climate targets within reach but to unlock savings.”