For years, households have been hoping that energy bills will “settle back down” after the crisis of 2022. But here’s the reality: the era of cheap, predictable energy is gone. Even if wholesale prices dip temporarily, the structural costs of running our energy system – from ageing infrastructure to grid upgrades and government levies – mean bills will never return to the “normal” levels we once took for granted.
The good news? Solar gives homeowners the power to protect themselves from an uncertain energy market, locking in long-term savings and stability.
The Myth of ‘Back to Normal’ Energy Bills
Before the energy crisis, the average UK household bill hovered around £1,000 a year. Fast forward to today, and even after government interventions and price cap adjustments, the typical home spends closer to £1,600–£1,800 annually. That’s a 60–80% increase, and there’s no sign of a full reversal.
Why?
- Grid upgrade costs: Billions are being invested to modernise and expand the electricity grid to handle renewables and EV demand. These costs are passed directly to consumers.
- Global volatility: Gas still sets the price of electricity in the UK. Any disruption in supply chains — from geopolitics to weather events — keeps bills high.
- Policy and levies: Decarbonising the grid comes with subsidies, green levies, and infrastructure investments that all add to household bills.
Even if wholesale energy costs dip, these structural expenses mean that bills will remain far above pre-crisis levels.
The ‘New Normal’: Higher Baselines, Less Stability
Industry analysts forecast that the UK’s energy bills will continue to fluctuate, but around a much higher baseline than before 2020. Think of it as the floor being permanently raised:
- Old Normal: £800–£1,200 per year
- Current Normal: £1,600–£2,000 per year
- Future Normal: £2,200+ as grid charges rise in the coming decade
This makes budgeting unpredictable, as households never quite know how the next Ofgem price cap adjustment will impact their direct debit.
How Solar Protects You
The beauty of solar is simple: once installed, the sun doesn’t send you a bill.
Here’s how solar helps shield you from the “new normal”:
- Generate your own power: Every kWh you generate is one less you need to buy at the market rate.
- Store for later: Pairing panels with a battery ensures evening usage is also covered by your own supply, not costly peak-rate energy.
- Export when you can: Surplus energy can be sold back to the grid, further offsetting bills.
- Insulation from volatility: While national prices spike and fall, your solar savings remain consistent.
Real-World Impact
Take a typical 3–4 bedroom home:
- Annual electricity use: 4,500–5,000 kWh
- Current bill: ~£1,800 a year
- With solar + battery: Savings of £700–£1,200 per year depending on system size and usage habits
Over 25 years, that’s £20,000–£30,000 in avoided costs — and that’s before factoring in future bill rises.
A Future-Proof Solution
Energy bills will never go back to “normal,” but that doesn’t mean homeowners are powerless. Installing solar is more than just a money-saving decision – it’s future-proofing your household against decades of uncertainty.
With every year that passes, the gap between “what you would have paid” and “what you actually spend” grows wider. And that peace of mind is priceless.
At Novus Energy, we believe in clarity, not false promises. The truth is that energy bills are only going one way. But with solar, your home doesn’t have to follow.
To get a free no obligation quote, fill out the contact form below. Or you can give our friendly team a call on 01422 768113.