Electricity North West CEO, Peter Emery, said: “The Government is right to prioritise the UK’s transition towards a cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy system and we welcome its target to generate almost all the electricity we use from renewable sources by the end of the decade.

“Like us, the Government recognises that the next few years are crucial if we are to reach our Net Zero targets, which is why our latest business plan is focused on enabling people to shift from fossil fuels to using low carbon electricity to power their homes, businesses, transport and heating.

“Our plan will see us invest £1.8bn in the region over the next five years, while also bringing down our part of the energy bill by more than 5% despite the increasing price cap. We are committed to innovating and investing to help achieve the North West’s environmental targets at lowest cost to customers. We welcome all steps from the Government that aim to do the same and look forward to their support as we seek to transform the infrastructure that will power the transition to Net Zero.”