The future of energy has been defined by five D words– Decentralised, Digitised, Deregulated, Decarbonised, and Democratised. There hasn’t been enough debate on what democratising means and how we implement it.
A common democratisation definition is people playing a greater role in the system by becoming prosumers (people who both produce and consume energy) and that the ability to make decisions on energy.
In democratic countries the energy policies of the prospective parties are laid out. For example, the Clean Power 2030 policy was a clear commitment in the UK Labour manifesto, so people (mostly) knew what they were voting for.
Ofgem have just closed a consultation on Regional Energy Strategic Plans. This will be run by NESO with 11 regional plans overseen by local boards drawn from local government and network companies. This initiative has broad support from the industry.
At the same time there is disquiet with the local implications of national energy policy. Recent headlines have included coverage of opposition to siting a national nuclear waste site in Lincolnshire, continued opposition to building the pylons to connect offshore wind in Suffolk, and issues with waste to heat plants sited near homes.
China’s single party state and centrally planned economy is leading the world in decarbonisation. Is Energy Transition too urgent to allow time for democracy?
We discount local views as ill-informed nimbyism at our peril. Perhaps it’s time to elect local energy commissioners in the same way that we have health and police commissioners?
