The problems facing the Government’s plan to reform the UK’s electricity market go well beyond the departure of two of the limited number of civil servants who actually understand the proposals. The reality is that the Government is losing its appetite for a scheme which is liable to disintegrate under the weight of its own complexity. Read more
Finally, the UK’s energy policy is taking shape after months of confusion. At its heart is a realisation that, while some decisions are urgent, others can wait. Time and timing matter. The approach is practical as well as political but it won’t suit everyone. And it leaves the biggest issue of all – climate change – unresolved. Read more
There is absolutely no need for an energy shortage in the UK, but the indecision of policy makers is making serious problems over the next few years ever more likely. There is no shortage of supply – but the raw materials of the energy business – such as gas and coal, or for that matter wind – have to be converted into power to produce the electricity which is essential for a complex modern economy. If the power stations are not in place electricity can’t be produced. Read more
Ofgem warns bills could rise as UK may need to import more gas. Getty Images
Alistair Buchanan’s warning about the vulnerabilities of the UK energy supply system is serious and timely. The absence of a clear overall policy for energy supply and consumption means that in his words consumption levels are likely to be dangerously close to maximum capacity at times over the next few years and that UK consumers face the risk both of steadily rising prices and interruptions of supply.
It is impossible to disagree with these conclusions from Ofgem’s report. They are based on facts and hard analysis. Read more
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