I moved from London to Singapore exactly one year, three months, and nine days ago.
Before arriving, I was warned that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. And while that’s certainly true for some things, many everyday costs were surprisingly affordable and often cheaper than in London. Public transport was one example. Eating out was another. Once I got the hang of ‘Singlish’, I made a beeline for hawker centres, where gourmet meals are available for under 10 bucks. I also traded my Pret subscription for local kopi, which is a fraction of the price.
The biggest surprise though, was how affordable energy was. On average, I was paying S$145 per month for energy in my household. Of course, the price fluctuated from month to month. Guests meant more showers and air-con use, my sourdough baking sprees drove up electricity, and sometimes nostalgia for the UK had me cranking the AC to its coldest setting.
So, when news broke of yet another energy crisis, I braced myself. Having lived through the recent energy crisis in Europe, I remembered the dystopian choices people faced to curb rising household costs. I feared the worst – Singapore, after all, is land-scarce and lacks large-scale energy resources. How would it cope?
The answer: rather well. While my bills did rise, the impact was mild. Even after the July 2026 tariff revision, a typical four-room HDB household pays only about S$17 more per month.
So how did Singapore weather a crisis that should have hit it especially hard? After all, the country imports virtually all of its energy. Around 95% of its electricity is generated from imported natural gas, while more than half of its crude oil imports originate in the Middle East, placing it squarely in the path of global energy shocks.
Initial response: cushioning the shock
When the Middle East conflict rattled global energy markets, Singapore acted quickly. In April 2026, the government unveiled a S$1 billion support package to help households and businesses manage rising costs. Measures included enhanced corporate tax rebates, direct payouts to vulnerable groups, and boosted U-Save rebates of up to S$570 per household.
At the same time, ministries and agencies tightened belts with the “Go 25” campaign. This mandated air-con capped at 25°C, LED retrofits accelerated, and non-essential equipment unplugged. It wasn’t glamorous, but it set the tone: conservation as a collective act.
Sustained response: strength in numbers
Singapore’s resilience hasn’t come from standing alone, but from partnerships and diversification. The launch of Singapore GasCo in 2026 centralised LNG procurement, cutting reliance on volatile Middle Eastern sources.
Regional cooperation has also been key. Singapore has signed frameworks with partners such as Japan to boost collaboration in the energy sector. Covering LNG trading, hydrogen development, and joint research into decarbonisation technologies. This effectively strengthens Singapore’s ability to diversify supply and accelerate the shift to cleaner alternatives.
At the same time, Singapore’s vision for the ASEAN Power Grid has advanced through close collaboration with the International Energy Agency. The goal is to connect Southeast Asian countries through cross‑border electricity trade, allowing hydropower from Laos or solar from Vietnam to flow into Singapore’s grid. With the IEA’s support on technical standards and financing models, a truly interconnected regional energy community is becoming more realistic. It is also reducing reliance on volatile imports and building shared resilience.
Long-term planning: securing the future
Singapore’s resilience isn’t just about quick fixes. It’s about building for decades ahead. Solar power is already part of daily life. Singapore achieved 2,093 MW of cumulative solar capacity by end-2025 and raised its 2030 solar target to 3 GWp following that milestone. Now, solar is becoming part of the visible cityscape with the emerging clean energy sites.
At the same time, Singapore is making major strides in nuclear energy. Beyond studying the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs), the government has invested in research programmes to build up local expertise and appetite.
Together, these initiatives show that resilience here isn’t just about weathering today’s shocks but about securing tomorrow’s energy future.
What this means for business & the TEAM LEWIS energy practice
Singapore’s ability to weather this storm underscores the importance of acting quickly, forging partnerships, and long-term planning. It’s a lesson that extends beyond Singapore, with relevance for organisations across countries and sectors.
That’s where our Energy Practice comes in. We partner with clients across the energy technology space, to help communicate their role in the global energy landscape. From drafting narratives that resonate with target markets to shaping messages that reflect shifting public sentiment, we help ensure their communications are clear, relevant, and impactful.
At the same time, we provide the insights needed to navigate evolving policies and seize new opportunities. Backed by our global representation across North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can support your brand, visit: Our energy page
