A "smart energy" revolution could help ensure that the UK does not suffer blackouts, according to National Grid's new UK chief.
Nicola Shaw, its executive director, said technological advances will reduce the need to build new conventional power stations in the UK.
An "internet of energy" will allow fridges, washers and dishwashers to help balance energy demand.
Some commentators say the UK needs more gas-fired power to prevent blackouts.
Ms Shaw agreed that more investment in gas-fired power was needed, but argued that between 30% and 50% of fluctuations on the electricity grid could be smoothed by households and businesses adjusting their demand at peak times.
The gas company executive says more gas-fired power is necessary to prevent blackouts in the future. Also, smart appliances could help balance energy demand across a smart grid.
(Score: 2) by Zz9zZ on Thursday September 22 2016, @03:41PM
I think I can say the same to you. The article is trying to sell people on the IoT with a tone that is mildly threatening, "get smart devices or get charged higher rates.". They talk about communities balancing out load demands with solar but immediately say we also need more gas burning stations. There are too many ways in which this fails and I would rather have a dynamic power generation system that can handle the fluctuations and gets rid of the rate system all together.
~Tilting at windmills~