The majority of the UK public opposes plans for an Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) on renewable energy generation assets only, according to findings of survey commissioned by Community Windpower.
Polling company Censuswide carried out the survey among a “nationally representative” sample of one thousand UK adults in relation to the EGL.
The survey found that respondents rejected by a factor of close to 5 to 1 the suggestion that taxes on extra profits should target green energy only, with (41% disagreeing and 9% agreeing.
There is significant support for green energy, with 49% agreeing versus 14% disagreeing as well as “strong support” for schemes which see energy profits distributed locally to help people struggling with their bills (50% agreed versus 10% who disagreed).
Community Windpower has just launched the first such scheme of its kind in East Lothian over this winter.
Censuswide also probed people’s views on the Conservative’s track record on green issues and energy.
Key findings showed respondents “expressed concern” that the Government was “too close to big oil and gas” companies, with 45% agreeing versus 17% disagreeing.
Meanwhile, more disagreed than agreed with the suggestions that the Government cares about the environment (34% disagreed versus 26% agreed), while 41% disagreed versus 21% who agreed, that ministers are doing enough to support renewable energy.
Rod Wood, Managing Director of Community Windpower, said: “This poll confirms what we suspected all along, namely that there is significant public disquiet over the controversial Energy Generator Levy and its smash and grab raid on renewables.
“The levy is bad news for consumers, bad news for the climate and bad news for our national energy security.
“We need more green energy, not less.
“The Government’s own legally-binding commitment is that all electricity will be low-carbon by 2035. A dependable domestic renewables sector is key to achieving this, so why are Ministers undermining their own ability to achieve net zero?”
Community Windpower said it has told MPs that it will sue in a bid to block the EGL and has instructed London law firm Mishcon de Reya and barristers David Blundell KC and Yaaser Vanderman of Landmark Chambers to pursue the case.