Following further news from the National Grid, that it is expecting to issue 7 more alerts over the coming months, please see comment from David Hunter, energy analyst at Schneider Electric
“Given energy margins are the tightest they’ve been in a decade, it’s hardly surprising that the National Grid expects to issue more emergency alerts to balance supply and demand for electricity this winter. And, with UK weather still currently relatively mild we’ve not yet reached peak winter demand.
“Notice of Insufficient System Margin (NISM) alerts are just one way the National Grid can address the possibility of a future energy crunch. There are system resources held in reserve that can be called upon in emergencies. Beyond that, there are also a number of large industrial clients signed up to demand response schemes, where they can be called upon by the National Grid to take demand offline when needed. These may all be necessary as the colder months of winter draw nearer and consumer demand for energy spikes, stretching already thin margins to breaking point.
“In the long term, there must be a continued focus on replacing ageing energy infrastructure and ‘rewiring Britain’ to meet our low carbon energy needs in the future. Investment in renewable energy must be encouraged, along with demand response solutions, energy storage and flexible backup supplies. We must find the right balance between value for money, reducing emissions and encouraging investment in new sources of energy supply to ensure the lights stay on – and green – in the future.”
