It gets worse.
So blaming price controls is absolute testicles. Blaming the 'net is much the same. So in pursuit of ever increasing profits, utilities have been cutting costs. That may also mean exposing themselves to risks.
So utilities often have a challenge of being in the posterior end of xDSL coverage maps. So SCADA may use wireless, via their own masts & network, or via Arqiva. Or they may use mobile networks, in which case they're vulnerable to same risks any mobile user would be.
If they've cut spend on IT staff and especially security, well, that's self-inflicted, especially when they're running critical infrastructure. SSE highlights the biggest challenge as their corporate objective is to pay an annual RPI+ dividend to their shareholders, and damn the customers.
Where it gets worse is that a small, fresh consultancy has just won a case in the ECJ challenging UK capacity auctions. The EU has ruled these are an unfair subsidy, and payments must stop. Which means energy customers who've invested in stand-by capacity or peaker generators are somewhat screwed. But not Tempus Energy-
Our technology uses AI and smart algorithms to control and optimise when flexible assets use energy. By predicting volatility in carbon intensity and market prices we allow customers to reduce their energy costs – while simultaneously enhancing their use of renewables.
Which is good for Enron.. I mean Tempus, not so good for customers. SSE's doubly screwed because they 'invested' heavily in wind farms, and took a big hit over summer because the wind didn't blow. But no matter, their customers can look forward to price increases due to 'rising energy costs'.. Like they did when oil was >$100, and didn't reduce when it fell below.
The impact of Tempus's judgement hasn't been widely reported, but is potentially going to add billions to energy costs, if unchallenged.