Power cuts in Britain

The UK could face power shortages in the years ahead, according to the energy regulator, Ofgem.

In August 2009, The Economist magazine woke up to the impending power cuts in the UK asking in its lead article "How long till the lights go out?".

Britain could face regular blackouts within seven years if the government does not intervene in the energy market to ensure that more power stations are built, the head of National Grid says today.

Energy experts warn the UK could face the risk of major blackouts in seven years unless policy is improved. They report the government has been dithering for too long.

Figures from the National Grid suggest that the UK could plunged into darkness when the colder weather bites because there is now so little spare capacity for generating electricity.

When will the lights start to go out in Britain?