Home›Commodities›Energy Transition›UK net zero plan raises blackout risk, leaked grid rep…

UK net zero plan raises blackout risk, leaked grid report warns

The leaked report says inaccurate forecasts could inflate consumer energy costs, and it was compiled weeks before the UK’s June heatwave strain on the grid.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy Transition

A leaked report commissioned by the UK’s national grid operator warns that the country’s net zero push could increase blackout risks while also raising electricity bills for consumers, according to OilPrice.

The report was produced by energy consultancy Cornwall Insight for the National Energy System Operator, Neso, and shared with The Times by a whistleblower, who said Neso was “flying blind” in its ability to understand supply and demand.

The consultancy found that Neso cannot accurately map the modern power system as the government expands green energy, including wind farms, solar panels, and batteries. It said reduced visibility of generation and how capacity is taken from the GB network makes forecasting supply and demand harder, which the report links to inflated costs and less ability to prevent blackouts.

The report was completed just weeks before the UK’s June heatwave, and Neso has since warned that extreme temperatures could affect power supplies as record demand from households increases grid strain, with an overnight notice issued on July 9.

More like this

Sources