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As the UK grapples with a prolonged energy crisis, households across the country continue to face soaring energy bills and uncertainty around long-term support. While the government has introduced various schemes to provide temporary relief, recent developments suggest that relying on state support may not be sustainable. This makes now the perfect time to explore solar energy and other renewable options to take control of your household energy future.
What Is the UK Energy Crisis?
The UK Energy Crisis has been fuelled by a perfect storm of global energy shortages, geopolitical instability, and a slow transition to renewables. Since 2021, millions of UK households have seen their energy bills double or even triple. According to Ofgem, the average annual energy bill in the UK rose from around £1,200 in early 2021 to over £2,500 in 2023 for a typical household on a standard variable tariff.
Although energy prices have slightly stabilised, they remain significantly higher than pre-crisis levels. In January 2025, Ofgem's price cap stood at £1,928, still far above the historic average. With the recent announcement that budgets for energy support schemes like GB Energy are being slashed, it’s increasingly clear that government assistance will not be a long-term solution.
Government Schemes: A Short-Term Fix
Over the past few years, the UK government introduced several support schemes:
While these schemes have helped many, they are not permanent and their funding is limited. The recent cut in funding to GB Energy, the proposed publicly-owned energy company intended to stabilise the market, signals a shift away from long-term governmental support.
What Does GB Energy Do?
GB Energy was announced as a cornerstone of the UK government's plan to transition to clean energy. Originally promised a start-up budget of £8.3 billion over five years, the company was set to:
However, in early 2025, it was revealed that this budget is being cut by nearly 40%, reducing initial funding to just £5 billion. Reports from government insiders suggest that large-scale public investment in GB Energy has been deprioritised in favour of private sector partnerships, significantly delaying the rollout of community energy projects. Critics argue that this diminishes the company’s ability to influence the energy market and provide affordable, clean power to UK households.
Why Solar Energy Is the Long-Term Answer
With government schemes shrinking and energy prices unlikely to return to previous lows, it’s time for UK households to take matters into their own hands. Balcony solar systems offer a practical, accessible, and cost-effective solution for urban homes, renters, and those without roof space.
Balcony Solar: Compact Power with Big Savings
Take the SaveOnWatts Bright LifeⓇ package, this compact system can be installed on balconies, garden walls, or ground mounts, and offers surprising performance:
Other Benefits:
Take Control of Your Energy Future
While the UK government has offered a patchwork of schemes to help manage the UK energy crisis, recent funding cuts and policy shifts make it clear: long-term support is uncertain. The best way to protect your home and your wallet is by investing in solar energy and other controllable renewable technologies.
Stop relying on government promises and rising utility prices. Take charge of your energy with balcony solar, and start seeing real savings on your energy bills today.
Interested in making the switch to solar? Get in touch with our expert team to see how much you could save with a custom balcony system