I wanted to dig into one of the most confusing and frustrating topics for EV drivers - why electricity bills keep rising even as more renewables come online.

In this episode, I break down how electricity pricing actually works in the UK. From wholesale markets and marginal pricing to Contracts for Difference, curtailment payments, grid constraints, and all the hidden levies that end up on your bill, this is a clear-eyed look at why gas still dominates pricing and what it means for EV owners.

What You’ll Discover

- How Marginal Pricing Works: Why the price of the most expensive source (often gas) sets the wholesale price for everyone, even when most power comes from cheap wind and solar.

- Contracts for Difference (CfD) Explained: How strike prices, the Low Carbon Clearing Company (LCCC), and payments flow between renewables and the grid, and why this system doesn’t always reduce consumer bills.

- The Hidden Costs Driving Up Your Electricity Bill: Curtailment payments, transmission constraints, levies, VAT differences, and why domestic gas often looks cheaper than electricity despite the headlines.

What is clear is just how complex and inefficient the current system has become. We’re generating more cheap, clean power than ever, yet structural issues like marginal pricing, curtailment, and regional transmission problems mean we’re still paying gas prices for much of our electricity and footing the bill for millions in payments to switch off renewables. It’s a fascinating but frustrating picture.

If you’ve ever wondered why public charging feels expensive or why your home electricity bill doesn’t reflect all those windy days, this episode cuts through the noise and gives you a much clearer understanding of what’s really going on.

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford

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Mentioned in this episode:

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The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.

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