Unite, the UK's leading energy union, has warned that, while it
does make some small steps in the right direction, the
government's Energy Independence Bill will not deliver real
energy independence as long as the grid remains privatised,
energy profits go unchecked, and there are no concrete
replacement jobs for North Sea workers.
While Unite welcomes reforms for faster grid connections, it has
long argued that the grid is a failing private monopoly. Unite's
analysis found that energy company profits reached £30 billion in
2024, leaving households facing rising bills.
This Bill puts Great British Grid on a statutory footing to
compete with private owners rather than replace them. Unite
continues to call for public ownership to fix the broken system.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
Faster grid connections are welcome, but you cannot fix a
broken energy system while leaving it in the hands of profiteers.
The grid must be brought into public ownership and run for the
benefit of the country, not shareholders. This Bill does nothing
to curb the obscene profits that have driven bills up.
The Bill also ends new North Sea exploration licences bringing in
new Transitional Energy Certificates and extends employment
rights offshore.
Unite supports net zero but under its No Ban without a Plan
campaign, it argues the UK must not legislate against energy jobs
in the North Sea without secure alternative employment in place.
The union also calls for oil and gas revenues to directly fund
secure equivalent jobs in areas like wind manufacturing, carbon
capture and sustainable aviation fuel.
Sharon Graham added:
While Unite supports a route to net zero, it cannot be at
the expense of workers. Jobs cannot be sacrificed on the altar of
net zero while we outsource our carbon responsibilities.
Ministers should use new North Sea revenues to build wind
turbines and sustainable aviation fuel in Britain. We must invest
in real jobs for the workers who still keep the lights
on.
