Why the energy competition enquiry is good for low-carbon energy

The big six that dominate the UK’s energy market are hopelessly conflicted. Disruption will encourage a ‘big 60,000’ of operators with greater energy efficiency and more renewable energy

As is frequent in the energy debate, the issues of cost and keeping the lights generate all the heat, but the crucial third horn of the trilemma the UK finds itself on – cutting carbon emissions – is largely overlooked.

Affordability and security are clearly vital, but also much discussed, so I’m going to consider what the launch of competition enquiry into the UK’s dominant big six energy companies means for low carbon energy. Tackling the hopelessly conflicted big six is, I think, good news for those wishing to see a clean, sustainable energy system fit for the 21st century.