Camilla Born MBE has been named the Chief Executive Officer of Electrify Britain, a new campaigning organisation launched earlier this year by EDF and Octopus Energy. Electrify Britain aims to lower energy costs and eliminate emissions in home heating, transport, and local communities through large-scale electrification.
Electricity currently represents just 19% of the UK’s final energy consumption, despite 60% of the nation’s electricity being generated from low-carbon sources. Transitioning to electricity offers efficiency benefits; for instance, electric vehicles are approximately 85% more efficient than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, and heat pumps are about three times more efficient than gas boilers.
Born brings over 15 years of experience in climate action and decarbonisation, having worked with governments, investors, businesses, and civil society to translate ambitious plans into actionable strategies. Her notable roles include Deputy Director of Strategy for COP26 at the UK Cabinet Office and advisor to the COP26 President. She played a key role in shaping the UK’s adaptation and resilience approach for the UN Climate Action Summit and contributed to the creation of the Paris Agreement, particularly its net-zero objectives.
In addition to her government roles, Born has served as Director of the UK Youth Climate Coalition and Chair of Climate Outreach, focusing on public engagement with climate change.
Electrify Britain’s mission aligns with the UK Government’s target to decarbonise the nation’s power supply by 2030. However, achieving net-zero emissions will require a parallel focus on energy consumption across sectors.
Camilla Born MBE said, “The opportunities from electrification are huge – cheaper bills, cleaner air and an economy that can thrive in a tough global context. I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO at Electrify Britain and am committed to making electrification work for families, our economy and communities. Much is being done to electrify the UK’s energy mix but more is needed to switch old technologies onto a cleaner path, from heating to transport, underpinned by secure, clean and smart power.”
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK said, “When the energy crisis hit, Britain’s dependence on fossil fuels forced up the cost of powering a typical home from £1,000 to more than £4,000 and petrol prices climbed to their highest level ever. Yet, there remains a huge inertia we need to win over when it comes to electrification. Camilla’s commitment to climate action and wealth of domestic and international experience will help drive Electrify Britain’s fight for a cheaper, greener and more stable energy market.”
Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy said, “Electrification cuts bills and turns on more jobs than oil and gas, it’s as simple as that. An EV is six times cheaper to run than a petrol car, heat pumps on a smart tariff are cheaper to run than gas boilers and we’re employing thousands of people to install and service all this new technology. But there are many crazy outdated rules that get in the way, favouring fossil fuels and holding back progress. We’re highlighting the changes needed to enable electrification to cut the cost of living and drive economic growth – I’m excited that Camilla will bring huge energy to this work.”
