One third of UK businesses have experienced electricity outages in the past 12 months, according to a new BCC study of the business community’s views on infrastructure and risk; and with demands on energy set to intensify in the years ahead (27% of businesses expect their dependence on electricity to increase) better support is needed to help them make the transition to clean energy and improved energy efficiency.

Manufacturing in particular is expected to face higher demand, with 34% of manufacturers expecting their dependence on electricity to increase. By contrast, just 8% of businesses experienced water outages, and only 2% experienced gas outages.

The research shows that business is already taking steps to reduce waste and emissions, with the most-adopted measures over the last 12 months being increased recycling (61%), installing LED lighting (54%) and reducing paper consumption (49%).

BCC director general Adam Marshall (www.britishchambers.org.uk) said: “Our message to policy makers couldn’t be clearer: work with us in business to fix Britain’s energy infrastructure and ensure that it’s fit for the future. Access to affordable and reliable energy is critical for businesses.

"It is unacceptable that many companies are facing power cuts and interruption to supply, which can damage machinery and leave employees unable to do their jobs.

"Reliance on electricity is set to increase across the economy, as we move away from fossil-fuel use.


"Electricity providers, industry, regulators and government must work together to accelerate improvements in generation and supply — with a firm eye on our shared goal of net zero carbon emissions.”