Will shale gas kill energy consultants?

Shale gas will bring such stable, low energy prices it could end the need for energy consultants and brokers, a shale gas expert has claimed. Nick Grealy (pictured) of UK-based […]

Shale gas will bring such stable, low energy prices it could end the need for energy consultants and brokers, a shale gas expert has claimed.

Nick Grealy (pictured) of UK-based shale gas information group No Hot Air, who describes himself as a “recovering energy consultant” on the group’s website, believes “boring” energy prices on the horizon could make energy middlemen obsolete.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Energy Event in Birmingham last week, Mr Grealy told ELN: “If we look at this on the international level, we see the impact of US shale is already affecting the world over… The Chinese themselves said if it wasn’t for US shale they would have been paying more. I think the old line that energy prices are going to be volatile, that’s not going to be true.

“Actually – and this isn’t good news for energy consultants, looking further on, prices are going to be thoroughly boring,” he added.

Consultants reacted with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief to the claim.

James Williams, Corporate Sales for Director UK and Ireland at Schneider Electric described it as a “jaundiced” view of consultants, adding: “I think it will have a positive effect on prices. I don’t think it will be the be all and end all”.

Others said any price impact from shale gas will be levelled out in the energy market. Julian Carter, Operations Manager for BiU suggested it was far too difficult to “buck the market” trends.

Complex policy levers which energy buyers need help understanding will mean there’s always a role for brokers, explained Andy Hutchinson of The Energy Brokers: “It’s not just trading the wholesale energy that’s going to be important.”

Do you think shale gas will spell the end for consultants? Tweet us your thoughts @EnergyLiveNews with the hashtag #shalegasdoom

Latest Podcast