In early 2025, consumers faced a £253 million cost from constraints on Britain's electricity network, a significant 60% increase from £158 million the previous year. This issue stems from rapid offshore wind capacity growth outpacing infrastructure upgrades, hindering power transmission from Scotland to high-demand areas in England. To manage this, the National Energy System Operator pays to curtail wind farms while compensating gas plants to meet demand. Analysts highlight rising wholesale gas prices as a contributing factor, and they advocate for regional zonal electricity pricing to better reflect network constraints and promote green energy utilization.
"Households in Britain pay some of the highest energy prices in Europe, while billions are spent shutting off cheap, green power," said Clementine Cowton, external affairs director at Octopus Energy.
"Zonal pricing would cut costs, slash the need for new pylons, and give renewable-rich areas like Scotland and northern England a chance to thrive," Cowton added.
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