This is an Economist Intelligence Unit report, sponsored by E.ON, which draws upon a survey of 205 senior executives familiar with their companies’ energy strategies. It was conducted in July-August 2019.

The survey focused exclusively on executives from firms that meet at least some of their electricity needs through self-generation, from energy-intensive industries: manufacturing (automotive and automotive parts, food and beverage and chemicals) and retail.

Half of the respondents are either members of their companies’ boards or hold C-level positions; the remainder are other senior managers and executives. All are from UK businesses with annual revenue exceeding £100m.