But I'm still rolling along . .

The huge increases in energy prices—or should I say fossil fuel prices—is a mixed blessing. Having just received an email from my supplier about the new prices from 1st April, I am nonplussed to say the least. Not least because my energy allegedly comes from 100% renewable sources (solar, wind and biomass, they say). I am now, it also has to be said with an energy supplier which I did not choose. The energy regulator’s ‘price cap’ starting on the 1st April suggests prices should rise no more than 54% This however has not stopped my new supplier from suggesting my estimated bill for the coming year will be £200 above what a 54% increase suggests ought to happen. Big energy suppliers are laughing all the way to the bank, with grossly inflated profits. So how come my renewable energy bill has to rise by 54%? It’s becoming more of a mystery, as more of the stuff is generated. The mixed blessing of this is that more people may question why we’re still so dependent on a diminishing, finite source of energy when there’s abundant and increasingly cheaper renewable energy available.
 
There’s also a danger that we’ll end up (despite all the tough talk) of dancing to Putin’s tune. It’s irony upon irony, particularly for the Germans who must have initially agreed to the now completed but unused Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on the basis that they wanted (needed) the gas (especially in the light of their wind-down of nuclear). I suspect Angela Merkel timed her departure perfectly. Germans will probably feel the energy pinch more than we will and deals will eventually be done. This will probably result in the solidification of Putin’s desire for an enlarged autonomous Russian leaning Donbas region. At the moment all the kerfuffle is over a region barely the size of Yorkshire.
 
Sadly, there are plenty of redneck Tories (shouldn’t that be blueneck?) who see a marvellous opportunity to get fracking back on the table. I fear things are going pear shaped, but on top of it all climate change will make everything so much worse. The old song we sang as schoolkids comes to mind. Three wheels on my wagon.