The Department for Energy and Climate Change (D.E.C.C.)has today published the annual Statutory Security of Supply Report (SSSR) that looks at the UK’s energy security for this winter and up-coming winters.
Ofgem’s Rachel Fletcher said “there is no increased risk of blackouts this winter”. (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statutory-security-of-supply-report)
However in line with National Grid's report "Winter Outlook 2014/15" out today there are concerns revolving around both Ofgem’s and DECC estimates of Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE), including Ofgem’s analysis of NG’s Future Energy Scenarios. "Loss of Load Expectation” or LOLE represents the number of hours per year in which supply is expected to be lower than demand before any intervention (eg. voltage reduction) by the System Operator. Whilst the numbers do not mirror each other exactly, due to different input assumptions they do present a broadly similar trend; That Loss of Load Expectation will increase in the period up to 2016/17, then continuing on a downward trend over the consecutive two winters.
As reported on the D.E.C.C. web site, National Grid says the outlook remains manageable and well within the reliability standard set by government.
Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock said:
“We have taken action to make sure our energy needs will be met this winter.
“We have given National Grid new tools they need to meet energy demand this winter and our working through a long term plan to turn around a legacy of underinvestment in our energy sector. This government has made sure homes and businesses across the country will be energy secure.
“But there’s more to do to complete our infrastructure plan and further strengthen our energy security. This is part of a broader of our broader strategy to support domestic supplies of electricity like renewables, shale gas and nuclear.”
