http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5483/?cid=3

Amid the furore over rising UK energy bills, the Renewable Energy Association (REA) today released figures indicating that renewables subsidies only make up 2% of the increases.

According to the Assocation's calculations and Ofgem data, average British dual-fuel customers have seen their bills rise by £205 over the last two years. But of that, only £4 comes from support schemes for renewable.

In fact, analyses by both Ofgem and the Committee on Climate Change have shown that bill increases in recent years are primarily due to fluctuating wholesale gas prices.

This year, renewables support schemes are expected to make up £22 of average household bills following recently announced price rises of around £80.

"The role of renewables in increasing energy bills is often greatly exaggerated," says REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell. "Not only is it more affordable than people think to go renewable, but the public understands that our future national security and prosperity depend on it."

Two surveys published earlier this week appear to underscore the REA's comments, with a clear majority of the British public backing more wind power and less reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power.

The analysis comes ahead of a Commons debate on the government's Energy Bill, which promises to overhaul the electricity market and provide investment certainly for the renewables sector.

But the REA says it wants to see the role of renewable energy to improve consumer choice and competition better recognized by the government.

"Renewables make it possible for people and communities to supply themselves with heat or power. This introduces a whole new level of choice and competition into the energy markets. We'd like to see politicians from all parties fully grasp that potential," adds Hartnell.