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The government has signalled that Ofgem should allow greater upfront investment in the electricity network ahead of major sources of generation coming online. As well as being necessary to boost the deployment of low-carbon generation, the British Energy Security Strategy published on Thursday said delivering upgrades ahead of need will reduce overall system costs and public disruption.
3 years ago
Date: 29/04/2022 10:00 am
Concerns over the impact of rising energy bills dominated coverage of the sector in the national media over the weekend, including reports of protests across the UK. The government has been forced to publicly rule out energy rationing amid predictions gas prices will remain high until at least 2026. Meanwhile, Gazprom’s British supply arm may be nationalised this week, according to reports.
The amount of electricity generated by renewables plunged by nearly a tenth last year with the balance largely filled by natural gas, net imports of which rose by 30%, according to new government statistics.
The government’s energy policy making bandwidth has “never been smaller” in the last 30 years and the UK needs a national transmission plan, according to a former senior official.
In Utility Week's latest roundup of national news over the weekend, the Chancellor faces pressure to bolster nuclear and wind power and protect heavy industry against rising costs; EDF warns the war in Ukraine may add further costs to Hinkley Point C
The vulnerability of the UK's energy security to geopolitical influences means the sector requires a "robust" regulatory framework, such as the one introduced in banking after the financial crisis, Centrica has warned.
