According to this report, the spare electricity capacity in the UK network is expected to fall to a mere 1.2% this winter making blackouts a serious possibility.  Extra supplies have been secured lifting the value to a hopeful 5%.  If we have a harsh winter this year, our power requirements may push the network to its limits and make blackouts even more likely.

This seems to be a recurring issue in recent years as each year the margin of spare capacity in the UK power network falls further. It is starting to look inevitable that if not this year then in subsequent years we are going to suffer blackouts of some kind in the UK. It’s not like we are one of the largest economies in the world is it? You would think blackouts in such an advanced economy would be unthinkable.

The lack of advance planning beyond the period in power of successive governments makes you worry that longer term issues keep getting pushed aside in favour of populist and short term goals in order simply for a government to stay in power for another session. The public have their part to play though in avoiding long-running planning arguments for new power stations and  green power developments.  Just look at the arguments that occur when a new power station, wind farm or tidal power project is proposed.  Practical reasoning goes out of the window in favour of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard)  resistance.  Obviously I am not saying all new power projects should get the go ahead, but we should have a more streamlined and robust system for proposal, objection and appeal that quickly looks at the facts and opinions and makes a decision.

For this winter, it looks like we need to be stocked up on candles, torches and alternative means of heating.  Any other suggestions?