Hundreds of Thousands in Scotland Risk Heating Loss as Meter Switchover Approaches

Europe's energy security is facing increasing threats from climate change, geopolitical tensions, and outdated infrastructure, with particular vulnerability due to reliance on imported fossil fuels and aging systems. The European Academies Science Advisory Council warns that dependence on foreign energy, especially Russian gas and oil, exposes the continent to supply disruptions and price volatility. Recent incidents like the mass blackout in Spain highlight how outdated energy strategies and grid management failures, combined with the challenges of integrating renewables, can undermine supply reliability. In the UK, hundreds of thousands of Scots risk losing heating and hot water due to the imminent deactivation of obsolete electricity meters, revealing the impact of slow infrastructure upgrades on vulnerable populations. These developments underscore the need for governments to prioritize energy supply security alongside the transition to sustainable sources, ensuring that policy and system updates keep pace with evolving risks. Experts caution that, while renewable energy is crucial for the future, maintaining a stable and secure energy supply must remain a non-negotiable responsibility for political leaders.