Blackout Britain: The sequel?

Businesses are being urged to look at alternative energy sources as experts warn Britain could face a winter blackout.

And a report out this week by the National Grid paints an even gloomier outlook – with claims the figure could be as low as 1.9 per cent.

Lancashire energy specialist Businesswise Solution believes the supply shortage poses a real risk, and is working with its customers on seeking out alternatives to protect them from power loss.

Peter Catlow, cost reduction director for Businesswise Solutions, said: “This is a tipping point for the energy markets.

“A number of the world’s biggest companies are involved in a project called RE100 where they are working to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and accelerate the scale-up of renewable power to help us deliver a better, healthier and more sustainable world.

Experts agree that potential shortages have been heightened by Britain’s quest to reduce its reliance coal-fired power stations – and replacing them with renewable energy.

It is believed that the National Grid would initially start rationing energy – particularly to large industrial companies – if a power shortage became a real possibility.

Prime Minister Edward Heath had to introduce a three-day week following a series of miners’ strikes, and hospitals were forced to use batteries and candles during a “work-to-rule” strike.

Peter said he remembers the problems caused by blackouts. He said: “It wasn’t a good time for Britain and we must do everything in our power to prevent this from occurring again.