Simon Roberts, Heatio’s CEO, has responded to the government’s demand for more gas power plants, reported by national media this week.
Simon said: “The economy is in recession and energy bills are the number one driver of inflation and the cost of living crisis. We should be focusing investment on energy security and renewable generation here in the UK, not becoming more reliant on foreign gas.
“Improving the efficiency of our ageing power stations will reduce energy consumption in the short term. Still, this announcement only highlights the lack of strategy and investment in clean energy generation, storage and a UK smart grid, which would enable the flexibility we need in both supply and demand to serve UK energy customers.
“Further investment in, and a reliance on fossil fuels not only contradicts the government’s commitment to net zero but, more concerningly, it highlights its belief that this will deliver greater energy security. We have seen in recent times the impact of failed government policies to decarbonise industrial and residential buildings, which has led to the energy crisis we face today directly linked to the UK’s reliance on natural gas, which is also one of the most significant contributors to soaring inflation rates.
“In addition, further investment in fossil fuels will only lead to a prolonged period of reliance on volatile energy markets outside of our control, and UK businesses and homeowners will pay the price in years to come.”