Ed Miliband Drops Plan for Regional Electricity Pricing After Concerns Raised
Ed Miliband has scrapped proposals to impose higher electricity costs on users in southern regions compared to Scotland after warnings from officials that it could deter investors and hinder renewable energy development.
Sources have informed *CuriosityNews* that the government will not move forward with the scheme, known as “zonal pricing,” and an official announcement will follow once approved by the cabinet.
Originally introduced by the Conservatives, the plan aimed to incentivize electricity-intensive industries to relocate to areas with surplus power generation, such as Scotland, where wind farms occasionally shut down due to low demand.
While strongly supported by Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy, the idea faced opposition from several energy firms, including SSE, Scottish Power, and RWE.
One source stated: “The government carefully assessed the situation and determined that prioritizing clean energy expansion—considering upcoming grid improvements, the need for successful renewables auctions, and concerns from international investors—outweighs the potential advantages of zonal pricing, which would not be implemented until after the next election.”
The energy department did not provide comment.
The scheme would have reduced electricity prices in regions with excess supply to attract industry, minimizing the need to curtail generation. Wind farms sometimes receive compensation to lower output when renewable energy exceeds grid capacity.
Analysts suggested zonal pricing could have saved billions in grid modernization costs. A study by FTI Consulting estimated £52bn in consumer savings over two decades, while another report, funded by Octopus, projected £27bn less spending on major grid upgrades.
However, the proposal faced significant opposition. Alistair Phillips-Davies of SSE called it a “huge mistake,” claiming it would lead to uneven pricing, leaving some households paying £200–300 extra due to location.
An independent analysis co-authored by Rob Gross of the UK Energy Research Centre warned that renewable developers might demand higher subsidies to offset risks under the new system, erasing any benefits.
Miliband is under pressure from Downing Street to demonstrate when his energy reforms will reduce costs for consumers, with growing unease over political challenges from Reform UK.
Downing Street became involved in the debate after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s aides expressed concerns about the potential backlash from implementing the plan.
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