The true cost of clean power: network upgrades, policy and the UK’s future

Join journalist Declan Curry as he sits down with Jacob Briggs from Cornwall Insight and Anthony Ainsworth from npower Business Solutions (nBS), for a deep dive into one of the most important topics shaping the UK energy landscape: the transition to clean power. In this wide ranging discussion, they explore the pressures facing the energy system, the rising impact of non commodity costs, the urgent need for network investment, and what Clean Power 2030 really means for businesses, consumers and the wider economy. From policy and infrastructure to electrification, on site generation and the future of market design, this conversation provides clear, expert insight into the forces driving the UK’s energy transition - and what comes next. 0:00: Introduction and discussion overview 0:08: Clean Power transition challenges 0:57: The role of policy and network costs 1:32: The importance of investing in infrastructure 2:32: The complexities of non-commodity costs 3:52: Electrification and grid upgrades 4:52: Urgency and benefits of early investment 6:42: System changes and cost implications 8:22: Fairness and funding of transition costs 13:59: Energy's role in economic growth 15:16: Corporate engagement and energy management 16:43: Innovative contracting and power purchasing 17:55: On-site generation and network benefits 19:23: Energy efficiency and policy incentives 21:09: Future of the energy market 22:47: Unlocking flexibility in energy use 24:04: Growth in renewable energy 25:52: Government's role and policy impact 27:23: Clean Power 2030 goals and implications