Three energy operators are running behind target for maintenance work.
Ed Miliband issued chilling Net Zero warning as he ‘risks plunging UK into darkness’ (Image: Getty)
Energy experts have warned that Ed Miliband will have to choose between switching off the UK’s power or missing his Net Zero electric target by 2030.
It comes as a report by Ofgem, the energy regulator, found that the three main power suppliers were behind schedule on vital maintenance works for their high-voltage cables. National Grid, ScottishPower and SSE were supposed to carry out “asset health” of the grid over the past five years to March. Meanwhile, a letter to the energy industry last week sent by Ofgem said 210 of the 340 green energy projects scheduled to connect to the grid this year and next were expected to miss the target.
Experts warn Ed Miliband will not be able to reach his Net Zero targets (Image: Getty)
It said officials were “frustrated and disappointed” to realise that hundreds of wind, solar and battery projects “imperative to ensure clean power by 2030” were late.
Experts claimed this will force the Government into imposing temporary power cuts in some areas. One source told The Times: “We are on an inexorable path to blackouts.”
Another figure involved in the discussions said: “Over the next few years the number of projects will go up but the system access limit is at its max. So Ofgem and the energy department will need to choose between asset replacements or clean power.”
In its report, Ofgem said that the “delivery landscape had grown increasingly complex, creating significant challenges in meeting Clean Power 2030 ambitions”.
It said it had concerns over the “lower-than-anticipated levels” of intervention on assets across the network, and the “potential this has for heightened asset deterioration and the risk of reduced system resilience.”
The Department for Energy described the claims as “scaremongering”, while Ofgem insisted this would not lead to blackouts.
Ofgem said: “It is not accurate to suggest Ofgem has warned of blackouts. We have one of the most reliable energy systems in the world, and we recently green lit £28 billion of investment that will future-proof the reliability of the network, expand capacity to meet clean power targets, and drive growth.”
The National Energy System Operator said it was working to deliver a significant expansion of the network.
The energy department said: “This is nonsense scaremongering Ofgem has made clear their report has nothing to do with blackouts, and the UK has one of the most reliable electricity systems in the world.”
