We need to take back control of the energy industry – here’s how

Public ownership is the only sensible response to surging energy prices, insecure supply and climate crisis.

Illustration by Otto Dettmer / Ikon Images

With UK energy bills now projected to double this winter, reaching £4,200 for the average household, and the government preparing for 1970s-style blackouts, all the political solutions on offer look weak.

Rishi Sunak has refused to guarantee further help beyond a one-time VAT cut on energy bills this winter that would save the average household £160 a year, and the £400 payment he announced as chancellor. Liz Truss is offering a further £153 by promising to suspend the green energy levy, and has pledged to reverse the National Insurance rise. Those sums appear feeble given the scale of the coming crisis.