Energy Secretary sets out his priorities

The newly appointed Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, has set out his priorities for the department following his appointment on 5 July 2024.

In his message following his appointment, Miliband stated that the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will be at the heart of the new government's agenda, leading one of the Prime Minister's five national missions, to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero carbon electricity by 2030, and accelerating our journey to net zero.

He said: "Families and businesses across the country are still struggling with energy bills that are too high and are expected to rise again in the autumn".

"The job of our department will be to deliver our mission so we can make the UK energy independent, bring down energy bills for good, create good jobs, and tackle the climate crisis".

Miliband stated the priorities of DESNZ are:

• delivering our mission to boost energy independence and cutting bills through clean power by 2030;
• taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy;
• upgrading Britain's homes and cutting fuel poverty through our Warm Homes Plan;
• standing up for consumers by reforming our energy system;
• creating good jobs in Britain's industrial heartlands, including a just transition for the industries based in the North Sea;
• leading on international climate action, based on our domestic achievements.

He stated this will be a mission-driven department in line with the Prime Minister's approach, mobilising citizens, businesses, trade unions, civil society and local government in a national effect, where everyone has a role.