# Nearly two thirds of the public want a new energy law to cut bills and protect consumers

By Simon Francis — 2026-09-01

New polling shows overwhelming public backing for UK Government legislation to bring down the cost of bills, improve energy security and boost consumer protection.

As households face another winter of rising unit rates, almost two thirds of UK adults (63 per cent) say passing new energy legislation should be a high priority for the Government, according to new polling for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition by Opinium.

Just nine per cent think it should be a low priority, meaning support outweighs opposition by around seven to one.

The findings come as Parliament returns from recess and days after Ofgem confirmed that unit rates for gas will rise by 27 per cent from October 1 as a result of the six-month long conflict between the US and Iran.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “The public have been clear that they want the Government to be focused on cheaper energy, better homes and a regulator that acts in their interests.

“After five years of fossil fuel price shocks and record energy industry profits, households need protections that make a difference to their bills written into law.

“This includes action to address the fact that high bills are the result of the UK’s continued exposure to volatile international gas markets, with around 90 per cent of North Sea oil and gas already extracted.

“The Energy Independence Bill is the opportunity to do that. Ministers should treat it as the centrepiece of their long term efforts to tackle the cost of living crisis.”

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