Smart energy revolution ‘fanciful nonsense’

Speaking to the BBC last week, National Grid executive director Nicola Shaw said the energy industry was in a state of change, as more people and businesses were adjusting energy consumption to use more when power was at its cheapest.

Avoiding winter blackouts with a ‘smart energy’ revolution is fanciful nonsense, the smart grid is years away

GMB national secretary Justin Bowden

Shaw described the move as a “smart energy revolution that’s changing the way we think about energy across the country”.

She also advised people not to fret over concerns that the 'lights will go out' when the energy revolution takes hold.

“Be enthusiastic - it's a moment of change that should take us to a better place."

However in response, GMB dismissed National Grid’s claims as "naively complacent".

GMB national secretary Justin Bowden said: “Avoiding winter blackouts with a ‘smart energy’ revolution is fanciful nonsense, the smart grid is years away.”

According to Bowden, the only way to guarantee the lights stay on over the coming winters is via the construction of new power stations.

He said getting the go-ahead for Hinkley Point C would be a good start given that the coal-fired stations are due to close this week.