# Energy bills are set to rise - but not just due to the Iran war.

*business · news · 2026-04-10 · BBC News*

## Key points

- Network upgrade costs, not just global events, are a major driver of rising UK energy bills.
- Britain's grid overhaul is expected to cost £70bn over the next five years.
- Network costs alone could add £135 to annual household bills by 2030, according to analysts.
- A 2009 Ofgem decision allowed wind farms to connect before grid expansion, contributing to underinvestment.
- Many network upgrade costs are already unavoidable due to a backlog of wind farms awaiting connection.

**Companies:** Octopus Energy, Stonehaven
**Countries:** United Kingdom

[Read the full story on BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg73vm8yzv2o)

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