The rise of the green economy is UK’s hidden success story. And much of that success is down to the drive to electrify homes, transport, and businesses. The Confederation of British Industry reported a 9% growth in the UK’s green economy in 2024, a trend that bucked the disappointing trajectory facing other areas.
Electricians are on the front line of the transition to clean power, installing, advising, and ensuring the safe and efficient deployment of new technologies. However, the Government in the UK has predominantly focused on energy generation, infrastructure, and market reforms, with far less attention on the practical implementation of electrification. Without a skilled and properly resourced electrical workforce, the UK’s net zero ambitions will falter.
The barriers to progress – policy uncertainty, skills shortages, high electricity costs, and gaps in consumer understanding – must be addressed urgently. It has never been more important for the industry to pull together to highlight the interrelated issues.
In February, EuropeOn member, ECA launched ‘Electrifying our Future’ in the Westminster Parliament – a digital series, in partnership with Content With Purpose, bringing together partners from the energy sector, manufacturing, wholesalers, consumer safety, regulatory bodies, education providers and construction to deliver a strong message to policy makers: listen to industry – we can deliver the safe transition to net zero. Every stage along the supply chain plays a critical part in electrification. Ignore one element and the energy transition will fail, and all that growth will evaporate.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Foster of Bath said: “Electrical safety is paramount as the speed of electrification increases. ‘Electrifying our Future’ highlights the aspects needed for a safe energy transition. From consistent support for apprenticeships, clearer guidance from manufacturers, and a continued focus on good regulation as the sector ramps up its efforts to achieve net zero. Without proper training and safety measures, rapid deployment of low carbon technologies could put both workers and consumers at risk.”
The electrical sector is in the ascendancy all over Europe, and the opportunities are huge. Yet, as an industry in the UK we remain fragmented. It is crucial for energy companies, network providers, suppliers, manufacturers, and installers to work together seamlessly to underscore how to tackle the energy transition, safely.
The series feature strategic partners including Europe On member, SELECT, along with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)) Energy UK, Electrical Safety First, and BEAMA, with contributions from The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership. In addition, it features 14 Content Partners from across the electrical supply chain.
Bringing these industry voices together ‘Electrifying our Future’ is a springboard that goes beyond identifying challenges to offer practical solutions and actionable insights that will help electrical firms embrace opportunities and meet evolving demands.
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Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs – The Electrical Contractor’s Association (ECA)
