- Bishop Hill blog

The Energy and Climate Change Committee are currently considering demand response, which is an interesting subject for those who quite like the idea of having energy when required rather than when permitted by the political classes. The hearing started a few moments ago and features:

Duncan Burt, Head of Commercial Operations, System Operation, National Grid
Phil Jones, Chief Executive, Northern Powergrid
Sara Bell, Executive Director, UK Demand Response Association
Yoav Zingher, Co-founder, KiWi Power (who make kit for demand management)
Zoe Leader, Climate and Energy Specialist, WWF

(because you can't have any hearing at the ECC without a green on board). This is followed by a separate panel.

Matthew Hancock MP, Minister of State for Energy, Department of Energy and Climate Change

I'll write some notes as I listen.

We're hearing that big manufacturing operations will have to change the times at which they operate. (so prepare to move to nightshifts people!)
Witnesses seem to think that domestic users are at least as important via smart metering.
WWF are worried that people will switch to diesel generators instead of switching off.
Discussion of trials of smart meters, in which consumers were switched off "with their consent, obviously".
Discussion of car plants switching off at 2 hours' notice and then everyone works overtime later on. Did I really hear that!!!
Discussion of making up grid shortfalls by buying in diesel generation from manufacturing businesses etc. WTF!!!
They seem to be envisaging a world in which your hotel airconditioning will switch off without notice for half an hour.
Pure diesel farms can bid into the new system. Gotta love greenery.
Tim Yeo is pretending he gives a monkey's about consumers.
The lady from WWF is being asked if she is happy with the proposed arrangements. Surprised MPs aren't down on bended knee before her.
Discussions of "deciding when to run the washing machine".