UK faces energy bill back‑billing and financing gap for rooftop solar

A policy paper argues that the UK could unlock a rooftop solar and battery boom by offering low‑interest loans, modelling a 2 % rate that would let more than 8 million households install systems with no upfront cost and save about £251 a year. The proposal calls for the Bank of England to provide preferential financing to lenders, leveraging mechanisms already used for public‑policy goals.

Consumer‑rights specialist Martin Lewis warned MPs that some energy suppliers continue to issue back‑bills covering up to two years of usage, breaching Ofgem rules that limit back‑billing to 12 months. Despite regulatory crackdowns, households still receive such demands, and Lewis urged consumers to cite the back‑billing protection when disputing charges.