Power demand surge forecast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's economic recovery was underlined yesterday by increases in the forecast of electricity demand to the end of the century and beyond.
The improved forecast came in the annual statement that projects demand for the next seven years issued by the National Grid Company, which transmits electricity throughout England and Wales.
The predictions, based on information from the 12 regional electricity companies, show demand increasing by 1.5 per year on average to 2001/2002 compared with previous forecasts of 1.3 per cent a year. John Uttley, NGC finance director, said: "I think it is a sign of confidence in the economy."
The report also shows that electricity generating capacity could outstrip demand by up to 40 per cent by 2001. The likely excess capacity is less than this, as plans for some new power stations may not go ahead. There may also be more unexpected closures of older plants.
Over the last 12 months, the NGC has signed transmission contracts for three new gas-fired power stations and for Nuclear Power's proposed Sizewell C station in Suffolk. The contract with state-owned Nuclear Electric shows the company's determination to proceed with the £3.5bn Sizewell C plant. If funding can be secured, the power station will come on stream in two phases in seven and nine years' time.
The seven-year statement shows sharp differences between the north and south of the country. In 1995/96 generation far outstrips demand in the North, but in the South there is not enough local generation to meet demand. The costs of having to move large amounts of electricity around the country forces the NGC to charge northern generators as much as 15 per cent more to use the system.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments