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Act now to keep the lights on, warns Prospect

Responding to today’s (Wednesday) announcement from National Grid about the tight winter electricity margins, Prospect, the union for energy professionals, said there is a chronic need to invest in capacity and introduce a coherent plan for the transition to low-carbon generation.

On behalf of 21,000 members working in electricity generation, distribution and transmission, Prospect deputy general secretary Garry Graham said: “Today’s warnings from National Grid will not be news to our members working in the energy sector.

“Prospect has consistently warned of the dangers of declining generating capacity and reduced energy margins.

“It is simply extraordinary that energy intensive users will be incentivised to cease work at times of peak demand while consumers still face concerns about security of supply. What message does that send to investors?”

Graham added that recent isolated commercial decisions to close ageing plant had aggravated an already challenging position.

“It is imperative we invest in baseload generation now to keep the lights on long term, implement a balanced energy policy and provide consumers and businesses with the security of supply they deserve.”

For further information contact:

Garry Graham         020 7902 6678 (w)    07713 511703 (m)    [email protected]

Katherine Beirne     020 7902 6625 (w)    07753 933174 (m)    [email protected]