Energy grid delays threaten Oxfordshire's technology sector growth

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 13:03 · Archive

Oxfordshire MP Calum Miller warns that energy shortages and grid connection delays are holding back the county's economic growth and technology ambitions.

Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller has warned during a Budget debate in Parliament that energy shortages and grid connection delays are threatening Oxfordshire's economic growth. The Liberal Democrat MP said companies across his constituency are being held back by a lack of electricity capacity despite ambitions to establish the area as one of the UK's fastest-growing technology hubs. Major innovation and engineering firms in the constituency, including Oxford Ionics, Zero Petroleum, Siemens Healthineers and the Jaguar and McLaren Formula E teams, are all affected.

Mr Miller told MPs that businesses and developers are facing lengthy waits to secure electricity connections. 'The queue for grid connections faced by many new businesses and developments in my constituency goes far into the 2030s,' he said. The MP argued that pressure on Oxfordshire's electricity network is already affecting residents, pointing to a recent power outage that forced The Cooper School in Bicester to close for a day. The North West Bicester development, planned to deliver 6,000 homes, was delayed by more than two years because of lack of grid connectivity.

Mr Miller also raised concerns about proposed data centres in the area. A development near Bicester would require electricity equivalent to the demand of around 1.4 million homes, whilst plans have been put forward for a data centre south of Kidlington. Mr Miller described the Government's Budget as a 'missed opportunity' for local residents and businesses.

How it is being reported

• Energy crisis 'holding back Oxfordshire firms including Formula E teams'An Oxfordshire MP has warned that energy shortages and grid connection delays are threatening the county's economic growth after describing the Government's Budget as a "missed opportunity" for local residents and businesses.Oxfordshire Guardian · 5 Nov, 12:30
• Energy crisis 'holding back Oxfordshire firms including Formula E teams'An Oxfordshire MP has warned that energy shortages and grid connection delays are threatening the county's economic growth after describing the Government's Budget as a "missed opportunity" for local residents and businesses.Oxford Mail · 5 Nov, 12:30

In this story: Calum Miller · Bicester and Woodstock · Oxfordshire · Oxford Ionics · Zero Petroleum · Siemens Healthineers · Jaguar · McLaren

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