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: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 22 2016, @04:07PM
I think you are being a bit too literal and missing the forest for the trees. The concept of balancing demand is smoothing the demand curve to make it more uniform. Let me give an example which may make it more clear.
I need gas/petrol for my car. I need to fill my tank about once a week or I'll run empty, but I can fill it pretty much any time. Now due to reasons, everybody tends to fill on Monday morning so there are huge lines. You can solve this by building more gas stations (which will be empty most of the week), or if you can coordinate things you can balance the demand so 1/7 of the people fill their cars on each day of the week.
To the point of energy, there tend to be spikes of power usage at specific times (business hours are high, 3:00 AM is low). You can build more power plants, or you can figure out a way balance demand to flatten out the peaks.
I can see this turning into big-brother, or "your dishwasher doesn't do what you tell it," or other very bad things (hackers take over your house). I would agree that at this time this is a "do not want!" However, in theory, I could imagine loading a dishwasher and pushing a button saying "wash whenever is convenient" and then walking away, for it to run overnight. It wouldn't be that obnoxious.