How Electric Upgrades Are Making Brits Green With Envy
A new survey has found most of us (58%) envy other people’s homes, with more than half (55%) of those admitting that seeing their neighbours make innovative home upgrades, like installing solar panels, heat pumps and EV charging points, make them green with envy.
Keeping up with the Joneses
Nearly half (46%) of those surveyed admitted that they’d consider getting solar panels installed if their neighbour did, and nearly a third (29%) say they’d now choose electric upgrades over other home enhancements, like landscaping the garden (12%) and installing a new kitchen (18%). While neighbourly competition was once about which car was parked in the driveway and how green the lawn was, it’s clear that times are changing.
Energy Efficiency Coveted
Nearly a fifth (18%) admit they are jealous of how energy efficient other people’s homes are, and similar numbers (14%) say that money-saving upgrades that reduce bills are a thing to covet – the survey was produced by Electrify Britain.
Future-Proofing Property
Although neighbourhood envy is nothing new, boosting your home with electric upgrades is a relatively new trend. More than a third (35%) feel that such improvements will future-proof their property. With an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and energy bills on the rise once again as price cap increases take effect this week, 45% of those asked say that money-saving is the main reason to upgrade, as the new tech features would help to keep bills down.
Government Support
Looking forward, nearly half (43%) of those surveyed agreed that the Government should ensure that new-build homes are electrified, and more than a third (34%) would be tempted by an electric-powered new build for their next home. Support for this spans all age groups, but interestingly, the generation that was most impassioned was the silent generation (80+).
Electrify Britain's Impact
Camilla Born, CEO of Electrify Britain, stated that electric tech is contagious and modern, making electric upgrades desirable. Electrify Britain aims to make electric energy more accessible and affordable, helping Britons achieve their dream home upgrades.
Real-World Example
One inspiring example is Jan from Balsall Heath, whose home is powered by solar panels, allowing her to save money on energy bills and contribute to a greener future.
Urgent Call
Electrify Britain is advocating for immediate action to rebalance the disparity between gas and electricity bills, making clean technologies more accessible and addressing fuel poverty. Electrify Britain's Commission launched in February 2025 to explore the benefits of electrification for people and industry.