For Ofgem’s plan to work it needs investment in jobs and skills not just assets

Ofgem has today (29 June) published a report on how it plans to develop local energy grids.

The report sets out a five year plan to “transform local energy grids to support the transition to a cleaner, affordable, home-grown low-carbon energy system”. Bit little mention is made of staffing and resilience within the workforce.

Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect Sue Ferns responded:

“Ofgem needs to be clear about where it expects efficiency savings to come from.

“Our surveys of workers show there are already significant problems of long hours and fatigue across the networks. More flexible and greener grids are more challenging to manage and so will require investment in jobs and skills – not just assets – to boost workforce resilience.

“We need clearer regulation to achieve our net zero targets, but this cannot be contingent on the ability of customers to pay for new gadgets – especially during this cost-of-living crisis. Costs must be spread fairly, including through the introduction of a social tariff.”