Network

NETWORK / 8 / APRIL/MAY 2020 CORONAVIRUS IMPACT Fallout How might the coronavirus pandemic impact Britain's energy networks? Elaine Knutt reports T he coronavirus pandemic has disrupted almost every aspect of our lives as workers, consum - ers and private citizens, and no one doubts that its effects will continue to be felt for months and years to come. But as lockdown continues, so thoughts begin to turn to the longer-term impacts for the networks: disruption to planned upgrade and maintenance At the same time, many expect a shi• in public attitudes to global warming and carbon emissions: commentators have theorised that the increased sense of "togetherness" shaped by our shared pandemic experience could strengthen our shared sense of responsibility towards the future. In combination, it's impos - sible to predict how these variables could impact on energy policy and the networks themselves. However, trade KEY POINTS l The legacy of the pandemic should be a renewed appreciation of local energy options l Economic stimulus packages post-crisis should align with the need to decarbonise and stimulate green growth l Immediate concerns centre around staff safety, vulnerable customers and the resilience of smaller decentralised energy businesses l Loss of network income due to reduced overall demand during lockdown should be recouped in future years schedules, short term cash- flow issues that could squeeze immediate spending plans, and uncertainty over how the future economic burdens will be shared under the RIIO-2 price control agreements. The pandemic is also likely to trigger a global recession, although no one knows how steep or sustained the drop will be, or how government and private sector funding to sup - port the low carbon transition ahead of 2050 could be affected.

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