A public debate is needed over how much consumers and taxpayers are willing to spend to avoid blackouts, an ex-Tory MP has argued. There must be greater transparency over the cost of ensuring security of supply as the power system undergoes transformation, Laura Sandys told delegates at the Utility Week Energy Summit in London. Sandys replied that the main barrier to discussion is a lack of transparency: “One thing that has to happen, particularly as we go through this transition, is we need to understand both as consumers and overall as a sector how much it is really costing us.” She said there also needs to be debate over how the costs are paid; whether by consumers through energy bills or by taxpayers from the public purse.
Utililty Week 30th June 2017 read more »