Fiddler's Ferry Ofgem, the electricity regulator, have reassured consumers that blackouts will not occur as a result of the closure of a major coal plant, The UK Government and, in northern England. Extra capacity has been secured for this winter, however measures are needed to ensure supplies next year. The closure is a blow to the government as the long-term contracts awarded to suppliers for keeping power plants on standby for times when renewable energy production is low have been a key component of its electricity market reform. Critics of the government claim that, despite shutting down coal plants, it continues to promote other fossil fuels, with huge subsidies and support to oil, gas and fracking, and that the renewables sector has been "devastated" by recent policy change.
The UK Government and Ofgem, the electricity regulator, have reassured consumers that blackouts will not occur as a result of the closure of a major coal plant, Fiddler's Ferry, in northern England. Extra capacity has been secured for this winter, however measures are needed to ensure supplies next year. The closure is a blow to the government as the long-term contracts awarded to suppliers for keeping power plants on standby for times when renewable energy production is low have been a key component of its electricity market reform. Critics of the government claim that, despite shutting down coal plants, it continues to promote other fossil fuels, with huge subsidies and support to oil, gas and fracking, and that the renewables sector has been "devastated" by recent policy change.