Gas deficit warning highlights potential of smart electric appliances
National Grid issued a gas deficit warning this morning, warning that businesses could be without gas supply due to increased demand in the freezing temperatures faced by the UK this week. Meanwhile, the electricity grid is coping with demand despite the weather.
Chris Stammers, head of insight at manufacturer Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, said: “The UK remains committed to a number of national and international targets that will help to deliver a cleaner, more secure energy network. These include plans to future-proof electricity generation by decarbonising the Grid and this week has once again highlighted the benefits of lower carbon electricity for households and industry.
“We have a target that 20% of all energy production should come from renewable sources by 2020 and the technologies exist to help us do that. Intelligent electric heating appliances like Dimplex’s innovative Quantum heating system and Dimplex Quantum electric hot water cylinders, for example, offer smart grid connectivity, which means they can store energy from renewable sources and help spread demand on the Grid."
“By tapping into these technologies, businesses and households could help secure their own energy supply and reduce the pressure on the Grid too.”
“Despite the cold weather across the country, figures from 10am on March 1st show that the electricity grid is coping easily with demand at 46 GW frequency held constant at 50 HZ, including a 10 GW contribution from wind, which means plenty of spare capacity.
“Meanwhile, the UK is facing the very real threat today that we will not have enough gas to meet demand. It’s a clear indication that we must continue to exploit the benefits of heating innovations to use lower carbon electricity and protect the future of our energy supply, even in the coldest extremes of UK weather.”