One in four mid-size firms “expect power shortages”

One in four medium-sized firms expect power shortages over the next few winters according to a new survey. The results come the same day as National Grid asked firms to […]

One in four medium-sized firms expect power shortages over the next few winters according to a new survey.

The results come the same day as National Grid asked firms to join contracts which would see them trim energy use at peak times during winter evenings, plus have old power plants on standby.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey described the National Grid move as a “sensible additional precaution”.

He claimed this would help Britain “retain its top position as the most secure country in the European Union for energy and the 4th best in the world.”

But 26% of mid-sized businesses don’t appear confident there will be consistent power, found the poll of directors at more than 300 midcap UK listed companies.

Fraser Thorne, Managing Director at Edison Group which ran the survey said: “Whoever is in government over the coming years knows that a priority remains in providing a long term, sustainable energy policy to guarantee the energy security businesses’ need to drive economic growth.

“The choice is simple: either Britain invests in sustainable infrastructure for a secure energy supply or we risk business and economic insecurity.”

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