There is one factor that has a huge effect. Up front cost of adopting the options of energy use/gen.
Starting with cars, Which did a survey last year on EV ownership versus ICE for the same ( as near as dammit) cars. A Mini 1 was one such comparison. Cost of ownership and payback was measured. The EV took about 6 years more ( as near as I remember) for breakeven due to the much higher purchase cost mitigated by some smaller day to day savings. Great if you have the initial outlay as a private buyer.
Solar systems. When you look at projections for future capacity and the moves to generate it why isn’t it being pushed far more aggressively? Reintroducing feed in tariffs and grants would stimulate take-up and bolster the national generating capacity.
Smart meters will likely be used to change tariffs for use based on almost instantaneous usage, peak times will cost more than off peak. Economy7 style overnight running of washing, dishwashers etc but on a continuous basis. Solar would mean self generated power to use in daytime reducing drain on the grid. Dinorwig in Llanberis ( Electric Mountain) uses water to provide peak supply then pumps it back at low demand times to the upper reservoir effectively instantaneous power. Christmas morning is a big example of it’s use.
Spending on generation is towards big renewable methods like wind etc. What about the base level power stations? Swop investment over to domestic solar. The use of self gen power rather than the grid but grid as a top up.
Energy is a strategic entity for a country so bringing management back to internal control can reduce the effects of import and the foibles of suppliers. Russian gas supplies are currently being mooted as at risk. Oil cartels have forced price control of crude.
Politics.....a big barrier!
