Britain’s energy policy has made important progress in cutting carbon emissions and keeping the lights on.

But in places like Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and the surrounding villages, serious local challenges are still being overlooked. Labour’s plans risk making those problems worse, not better.

Upgrading the grid, supporting off-grid households, and improving energy resilience are long-recognised priorities. But Labour’s recent announcements – including the launch of Great British Energy – offer little substance for rural areas.

Energy costs remain stubbornly high for households here, especially those without access to the gas grid.

During the election, Labour promised lower bills for residents. Yet in January, the energy price cap rose by five percent and rural families saw no targeted help whatsoever.

Support by the Government for insulation, switching to heat pumps and other measures, remains patchy and inconsistent, particularly for the older homes that are common across our towns and villages.

In Bordon and other places, many newer homes are being built to high environmental standards, while residents are eager to adopt low-carbon technologies.

But grid capacity is weak and connection delays are frustratingly long. In Haslemere and Liphook, public charging stations for electric vehicles remain limited. These are real barriers – and national policy needs to tackle them directly.

Labour’s centralised, top-down approach doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground. The focus is on large-scale generation and public ownership, with little attention is given to how local authorities, community energy groups or rural consumers are meant to be involved.

People in our area are keen to play their part in the energy transition. But they can’t do it alone, and right now, they’re being left to fend for themselves.

We need a practical, place-based approach that recognises the specific needs of rural Britain. That means investment in local infrastructure, tailored support for off-grid homes, and meaningful collaboration between national and local government.

This isn’t just about hitting climate targets. It’s about making sure no part of the country is left behind.