Sinn Féin Energy Spokesperson Phil Flanagan MLA has said that the significant blackouts across the north overnight, which disrupted the electricity supply of around 100,000 households, should be the impetus for a fresh look at how electricity is generated and transmitted here.
The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said:
“The disruption of electricity supply to around 100,000 households should be a serious wake-up call to all of us.
“We are far too reliant on centrally generated electricity, usually from gas, which then has to be transmitted using overhead power lines.
“When it cannot be distributed as a result of problems with the lines, then significant blackouts are what can be expected.
“Technology has improved considerably in recent years and will continue to develop; we need to take a fresh look at how we both generate and transmit electricity.
“Much more work needs to be done to bring combined heat and power plants using micro-generation on stream, where the entire electricity needs of a community can be met by locally produced electricity, using renewable, sustainable forms of generation.”
