Funding the Future Without Leaving People Behind

By Jessica Taplin, CEO – British Gas Energy Trust

In June, Ofgem approved a £24 billion investment in Britain’s energy networks; the most significant upgrade since the 1960s. It’s a vital step toward modernising how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses and underpins the transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems. 

But while this investment is necessary, it comes with a projected £104 increase in the average annual household bill by 2031. 

This strategy aligns with wider government goals, particularly those led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Yet the reality is that infrastructure costs will ultimately fall to consumers, including many already struggling with unaffordable bills. 

So the challenge is clear: How do we fund the energy system of the future without compounding the financial hardship that so many already face today? 

Balancing ambition with protection

For me, the answer lies in balance. Large-scale investment must be paired with strong protections, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households. That means fairer pricing, clearer communication, and targeted support to ensure no one is left behind in the transition. 

This view is echoed by Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, who recently said: 

“We absolutely support investment in the grid to make the UK energy system more sustainable. But that investment needs to be made in a way that’s affordable—especially for those who are already struggling.”
— Chris O’Shea, June 2025 (Source: Centrica/Press) 

British Gas Energy Trust has been listening closely to the charities and advisors on the ground. Their message is consistent: 

What we’re hearing from the front line 

  • Trusted, local delivery matters
    Charities rooted in communities understand where need is greatest. They must be sustainably funded and meaningfully engaged in policy design. 
  • Data must work harder for people
    Coordinated, privacy-safe data sharing across sectors can transform how quickly and fairly help reaches households in crisis. 
  • Regulatory clarity supports resilience
    Stable, long-term frameworks give frontline organisations the ability to plan and deliver effectively. Constant change introduces risk. 
  • We must move from crisis to sustainability
    Crisis grants save lives—but long-term outcomes depend on holistic support: advice, advocacy, and energy efficiency. 
  • Secure long-term funding and delivery models
    Warm Home Discount+, retrofit schemes, and energy advice programmes need multi-year funding certainty. Annual cycles limit strategic planning.

What’s next? 

The months ahead will be pivotal. With Ofgem reforms progressing and Warm Home Discount+ decisions still to come, we face a real opportunity – but also risk. Without clarity, coordination and long-term thinking, vulnerable households could once again be left behind. 

The Trust’s upcoming roundtable report will share practical, evidence-led recommendations. But one truth is already clear: 

No single organisation can end fuel poverty alone. It requires shared action—rooted in evidence, driven by empathy, and united by purpose. 

At the British Gas Energy Trust, funded solely by British Gas, we’re proud to continue this work alongside partners who share that vision. 

 Sources 

  • Ofgem RIIO-ED2 announcement on £24bn infrastructure investment
    Ofgem, June 2025 
  • DESNZ strategy overview
    Gov.uk – Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 
  • Centrica CEO comment on grid investment
    Centrica Media Centre 
  • Scope – The Disability Price Tag 2025 (for context)
    Scope UK, June 2025