The Electrify Britain Commission
The Electrify Britain Commission aims to build a vision for Britain’s energy future that electrifies growth and drives down costs for British homes, businesses and industry. The Commission will explore how electrification is already benefiting people across Britain and identify opportunities to accelerate its progress. Its goal is to ensure that electrification delivers real benefits to people and businesses by modernising infrastructure, strengthening the economy, and lowering costs.
As part of the Commission, Electrify Britain is visiting homes, factories, training centres, universities, community projects, businesses and offices of government who are already seeing the benefits of electrification and discussing what more could be done to go further and faster. Alongside, the commissioners will provide insights from their diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives to articulate a combined vision for an upgraded, modern and electrified British future.
Greg JacksonCEO, Octopus Energy
“Electrification is the greatest opportunity we've ever had to slash energy costs and cut household bills—while making life easier. People don't want a 'transition'—they want urgent action that delivers cheaper energy, warmer homes, and cars that cost less to run. Just as the iPhone revolutionised communication, electrification is transforming the way we live, making energy smarter, greener, and dramatically cheaper.
We're already seeing the benefits today—smart tech means people running an EV and a heat pump can save hundreds of pounds a year compared to a petrol car and gas boiler. And at Octopus, our Zero Bills Homes have proven that with the right mix of rooftop solar, a battery, and a heat pump, we can eliminate household energy bills entirely. The faster we electrify and roll out smarter tech, the faster we cut costs, reduce emissions, and improve lives.”
We're already seeing the benefits today—smart tech means people running an EV and a heat pump can save hundreds of pounds a year compared to a petrol car and gas boiler. And at Octopus, our Zero Bills Homes have proven that with the right mix of rooftop solar, a battery, and a heat pump, we can eliminate household energy bills entirely. The faster we electrify and roll out smarter tech, the faster we cut costs, reduce emissions, and improve lives.”
Simone RossiCEO, EDF
“To truly benefit from the rise of low-carbon electricity generation, we must switch how we power our lives from fossil fuels to electricity, paving the way for a cleaner and greener Britain. I am delighted to be a part of Electrify Britain's Commission to explore how we unlock these benefits to more homes and businesses.”
Yumann SiddiqChair of Young Energy Professionals Forum/Energy UK - Youth
“We know that electrification is critical to achieving Net Zero and will help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Delivered fast and well, it also presents enormous opportunity to significantly reduce energy bills and air pollution, all while bolstering economic growth, local jobs and community engagement.”
Kristen BrownSchneider Electric, Electrification Supply Chain
“Electrification is key to making the energy transition work and for affordability. For example, estimates show that existing technology can electrify 78% of industrial energy use and is the preferred decarbonisation option for smaller and more dispersed industrial sites. Despite this, electrification has not received the same level of policy focus and funding as other decarbonisation technologies. I'm delighted to join Electrify Britain as a Commissioner to advance this critical issue and work with the Government and end users to accelerate the uptake of electrification in the UK”
Guy NeweyEnergy Systems Catapult, Innovation
“Our work at the Catapult shows that electricity is going to be the backbone of any future energy system. Shifting to that cleaner power system is a huge challenge: for streamlining planning at a national, regional and local level; for fixing market signals so they reflect the more complex system we are moving towards; and for delivering solutions that make consumers' lives better. But it is also a huge opportunity, likely seeing at least a doubling of the demand for power as we shift to electrified heating, transport, storage and industry. And it is an area where the UK has some of the most exciting global companies trying to unlock a clean, flexible, digitalised power system. – many of whom we work with at the Catapult. That is why we are delighted to join the Electrify Britain initiative.”
Ingrid HolmesGFI, Finance and Local Council
“I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to join the Electrifying Britain Commission. Electrification needs to happen right across the economy - from how we heat our homes and run our cars to how we power our public services and the green industry and jobs of the future. It really is the only credible pathway to a more secure, resilient and - delivered and financed in the right way - affordable future energy system. I look forward to contributing to this important work.”
Chris WilliamsSustainable Industries Ltd/Electrify Industry with MakeUK, Industry
“The rest of the world is electrifying its industries at pace, with up to 90% aiming to electrify by 2050. With the world's highest industrial electricity prices, UK manufacturing is at the bottom of investment queues, disincentivising progress. Our companies are not yet exploring electrification, speaking to grid companies or getting their skills or supply chains ready. We have to come together to help government understand this, to help industry ready itself and help grid companies start to plan for the electrification wave ahead.”
Rory SutherlandAdvertising/Misinformation (EVs)
“In 2010. Only 1% of all lights sold were LED lights. By 2030, almost all lights sold will be LED lights. The pace of progress is spectacular, the efficiency gains are immense and the possibilities extraordinary. And yet almost nobody ever writes or passes comment on this extraordinary development. Yet over 100 years ago, people were utterly captivated by the potential of electrification.
As an ad man, part of the reason I am so pleased to join the Electrify Britain Commission is that I think there is still genuine cause for optimism and excitement here - we just need to tell the story differently.”
As an ad man, part of the reason I am so pleased to join the Electrify Britain Commission is that I think there is still genuine cause for optimism and excitement here - we just need to tell the story differently.”
Sue FernsProspect, Union
“It is vital that the energy transition to electrification is affordable for everyone. It must create and sustain good jobs and provide lasting benefit to communities. For these reasons I am pleased to be playing a part in the Commission to Electrify Britain.”
Melanie ShufflebothamCo-founder Zapmap, EVs
“The continued shift to electrification powered by renewable energy, is essential for the UK to move to a cleaner, better future. Within this, electric vehicles will play a central role not only reducing direct transport emissions but also balancing the grid and supporting decarbonisation of the home. I am very pleased to be asked to contribute to the Electrify Britain Commission, and feed in Zapmap's knowledge on EV charging and EV driver needs.”
Gillian CooperCitizens Advice, Consumer
“Our frontline advisors are helping huge numbers struggling to afford their energy bills. Although moving to clean power should bring people's bills down, volatile gas prices mean costs will remain high in the short term.
We need more targeted bill support for those struggling most with rising costs, like people on low incomes with children. As we make the transition to net zero, this support would also enable wider changes so more households can access lower costs and better services that meet their needs.”
We need more targeted bill support for those struggling most with rising costs, like people on low incomes with children. As we make the transition to net zero, this support would also enable wider changes so more households can access lower costs and better services that meet their needs.”