Institution responds to new National Grid report

The Institution's Dr Colin Brown says the drop in tha amount of spare electricity capacity illustrated in National Grid’s new report is a wake-up call that shows how vital it is that we invest in new energy infrastructure.

Dr Colin Brown, Director of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to a new report by National Grid showing that spare electricity capacity will be at a seven year low this winter:

“While we’re unlikely to see blackouts this winter, the drop in the amount of spare electricity capacity illustrated in National Grid’s new report is a wake-up call that shows how vital it is that we invest in new energy infrastructure.

“Government must stop playing politics with our energy system and the environment and make clear exactly how it is going to ensure that the country’s future needs are affordably met. It is only with this clarity that energy companies will have the confidence to invest in the infrastructure needed to keep the nation warm, lit, moving and working.  Without it we risk a spiral downwards where we achieve our energy balance by closing down our industries.”