IEA Energy Analyst Andy Mayer has been quoted in City AM on the risk of energy blackouts this winter.

Arguing that the government’s energy price control has made blackouts more likely, Andy said:

“High prices encourage energy saving, whereas universal price caps subsidise wasteful uses such as hot tubs and patio heaters, providing the most benefit to the well-off and least energy efficient. The intention is stop anyone having to choose between heating and eating. But the result may be periods when neither is possible, representing the most risk to very people the caps are designed to support.”

Andy also urged people not to panic, pointing out that the National Grid has contingency plans to “minimise the chance of serious harm and spread the impact fairly.”

The full article can be read here.