Overview

• UK Energy Minister Andrew Bowie condemns wind farms for overstating their power output, a practice that inflates consumer bills.
• Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has launched an investigation into the conduct of wind farms following reports of overestimation.
• Analysis of market records from 2018 to 2023 reveals that 40 out of 121 wind farms overstated their output by 10% or more, costing consumers an estimated £51 million.
• The UK's reliance on wind power, which accounts for over 40% of its electricity, has highlighted issues with the grid's capacity to handle renewable energy.
• Regulations prohibit excessive benefits from overestimation, but the practice raises concerns about market integrity and consumer costs.