Energy Secretary's Department Relies on Fossil Fuels While Championing Net-Zero Agenda
As Energy Secretary Ed Miliband vigorously promotes a national transition to net-zero renewable energy, his own government department has been exposed as being powered predominantly by fossil fuels. This revelation comes from comprehensive Freedom of Information requests, which uncovered that several key government departments and agencies, including Miliband's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, have been opting for cheaper 'brown' power tariffs over more environmentally friendly 'green' energy alternatives.
Hypocrisy at the Heart of Government Energy Policy
Corin Dalby, the chief executive of Box Power, which compiled the FoI data, provided a stark assessment to The Times. 'The data demonstrates hypocrisy at the heart of the government's energy policy,' he stated. The investigation found that more than four-fifths of the electricity powering Whitehall originates from a standard grid mix, which includes a significant proportion of fossil fuels, commonly referred to as 'brown' power.
One government agency, which is sponsored by Miliband's department, explicitly admitted to refusing to switch to green energy because renewable tariffs were deemed to offer poor value for money. Mr Dalby drew a powerful analogy to highlight the perceived contradiction, remarking, 'Imagine if the Department of Health said it won't buy healthy food because crisps are more affordable.'
Contrast with Local Councils and Financial Implications
In a striking contrast, nearly half of all local councils across the country exclusively use more expensive 'green' or 'no carbon' power. These councils are collectively paying an estimated additional £10 to £20 million each year compared to standard energy deals. This commitment from local authorities underscores a significant divergence in practice between different levels of government.
Meanwhile, the Mining Remediation Authority, an agency under Miliband's department, openly acknowledged spending £8.5 million on 'brown' power. The authority justified this decision by stating it was necessary to 'provide the best value for the taxpayer,' thereby dodging the estimated two to four per cent additional cost associated with green energy tariffs.
Headquarters Powered by Fossil Fuels and Gas Heating
Further details reveal that 55 Whitehall, the headquarters of Miliband's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is not only powered by 'brown' energy but is also heated via a gas-fired boiler. This operational reality stands in direct opposition to the department's public messaging and policy objectives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
Mr Dalby expanded on the implications of these findings, suggesting, 'This whole mess implies either that green tariffs are overpriced, the government doesn’t believe its own messaging, or its green policy is more PR than practice.' This critique points to deeper issues within the government's approach to environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
Government Response and Emission Reduction Claims
In response to the revelations, a spokesperson for the Department for Energy highlighted the 47 per cent reduction in direct emissions from public sector buildings achieved between 1990 and 2024. The spokesperson added, 'This government has put clean energy at the heart of its agenda, attracting billions in clean energy investment that will help to protect the public sector, businesses and households from volatile fossil fuel markets.'
However, this defence does little to address the immediate contradiction posed by the department's own energy consumption practices. The situation raises critical questions about the alignment of government operations with its stated environmental goals and the transparency of its commitment to a sustainable energy future.
