As we endure yet another summer marred by relentless power cuts, it is impossible to ignore the glaring discrepancy between the promises made and the harsh reality we face. Just last year, assurances were given that such disruptions would be a thing of the past, backed by claims of unprecedented investments to strengthen our power distribution network. Yet here we are, suffering through the same issues, if not worse, than before.

The findings of a recent National Audit Office investigation only add insult to injury. Despite the much-touted financial commitment to improving our infrastructure, it has been revealed that only two-thirds of the allocated budget has been spent. Even more alarming, the actual investment in 2023 was less than what was spent a decade ago in 2013. This starkly contradicts the narrative of significant progress and raises serious questions about the management and priorities of those in charge.

The impact of these power cuts is far-reaching. Our supposedly upgraded distribution network has proven to be unreliable, forcing reliance on diesel generators to keep essential services running. Streets are littered with these noisy, polluting machines, and many households have had to purchase their own generators just to maintain a semblance of normality. Furthermore, an emergency power plant, also diesel-fuelled, is on the horizon, promising to exacerbate the environmental and health concerns associated with increased emissions.

This situation is nothing short of unacceptable. The public was assured that power cuts would become a distant memory, yet the reality paints a picture of neglect and mismanagement. The reliance on diesel generators not only signifies a failure to provide a stable power supply but also introduces a host of environmental hazards. In the not-so-distant past we used to be told that fossil fuel power plants were nothing more than a “cancer factory” – arguably an exaggerated claim to score political points when power generation changes from heavy fuel oil to gas.  What about the current situation?   

Accountability is crucial, yet it seems elusive. Despite the clear evidence of mismanagement and broken promises, there appears to be little movement towards holding those responsible to account. The public deserves better than empty assurances and a failing infrastructure. The time has come for decisive action and transparency. The public cannot continue to bear the brunt of their failures. The call for accountability and real, effective solutions has never been more urgent.