Power shortages in Britain’s energy network are shameful

Last Wednesday, following what National Grid casually referred to as ‘multiple plant breakdowns’ of a number of power stations – desperate attempts had to be made to find back-up power supplies to keep the lights on throughout the evening. It was a clear demonstration of the dangers of the UK’s outmoded power network and successive failures of policy. And before anyone starts bleating about the government’s slashing of wind and solar subsidies, the wind wasn’t blowing and the sun wasn’t shining, so they were unable to help out at a time of crisis. As a result, there was little spare power to cover the gap.

This meant that at one point, electricity was being sold for £2,500 per megawatt. This is over 40 times the usual price and is a cost that will ultimately be passed onto all of us bill payers. More worryingly, this situation is likely to get worse.