Energy Use Will UK Need A Bigger Nudge To Save On Fuel?

Government officials deliberating on whether to launch a public campaign to reduce energy usage this winter may want to avert their eyes from some of the reaction to last week's heatwave advice.

- Alex Lawson

As temperatures soared, government and health agencies advised Britons on keeping safe. But the response of some Twitter users? A wave of terse comments. "The nanny state has spoken," read one. "Most normal adults already know this," said another.

While the country battles extreme heat, there is now debate in Westminster about how to keep people warm this winter. The twin issues of consumers' soaring energy bills, which could top £3,000 a year by October, and the prospect of supply shortages caused by the invasion of Ukraine, underpin the discussion.

Industry watchers have called for government intervention, including more financial support on top of the £15bn package laid out in May, and advice for consumers this winter. However, a senior official at an energy conference this month argued people were "fatigued with being told what to do".

On Thursday National Grid is expected to release its initial outlook assessment for energy supply and demand this winter.