Open Letter Suggests Adopting Norwegian Energy Model for UK
What happened
An open letter published on September 20, 2026, addressed to Andy Burnham, outlines a series of policy suggestions for the UK's energy market. The proposals include opening up North Sea oil fields and nationalizing them, while also suggesting cuts to taxes at petrol pumps and dropping VAT on heating oil. The letter also advises killing the Contracts for Difference scheme and introducing zonal pricing for electricity.
From thenational.scot
Why it matters
The letter suggests that the wealth generated from nationalized energy resources could be invested in renationalizing the energy system. The proposals also mention that some consumers in the UK are facing rising electricity costs, including a potential 9% increase on top of a 24% rise in daily standing charges.
Burnham visits Scotland as LNG from America replaces North Sea gas, prompting debate on decentralized policy and Norway's approach.
From thenational.scot
Who's involved
- NorwayCountry whose energy model is referenced in the letter
- Andy BurnhamRecipient of the open letter regarding UK energy policy
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NorwaySpeculative
The country could consider adopting the suggested energy market structure and policy framework.
Keep exploring
Part of
Burnham visits Scotland as LNG from America replaces North Sea gas, prompting debate on decentralized policy and Norway's approach.Also in this story
- Andy Burnham suggests a tariff mandate for Ofgem regarding energy projects in the Western Isles/Shetland.
- Kenny MacAskill criticizes the Scottish government's evasiveness on drilling, and the SNP points to Norway's fund for independent powers.
The entities involved
-
Norway
country in Northern Europe
-
Andy Burnham
British politician (born 1970)
Related events
- Andy Burnham discussed Rosebank in the context of oil/gas license approvals and as an example of energy policy challenges for Greater Manchester.
- BP sold its UK North Sea business as Norway's policy consistency is noted to outperform the UK's decline.
- Norway's energy policy, including continued drilling, is influencing European markets and IEA discussions amid calls for an EU ban.
- Andy Burnham, along with Greens, Andrew Warren, and the British Energy Efficiency Federation, focused on energy and climate change policy in a leadership capacity.
- Leaders, including Andy Burnham, met to discuss energy poverty in Wales, advocating for an energy social tariff and predicting Labour's political decline.