'Blackout risk' as energy system pushed to limit

BRITAIN is heading for blackouts and soaring electricity costs unless ministers urgently change course, a major report has warned.

- BY LUCY JOHNSTON

The findings prompted the Conservatives to confront the government in Parliament over the growing risk of the lights going out.

The report — Electrification, Can the Grid Cope? — will be unveiled tomorrow, and warns the system is being pushed beyond safe limits by the closure of gas and nuclear power stations, and rising demand from electric cars, heat pumps and Al data centres. It warned prolonged power shortages or blackouts could disrupt hospitals, transport networks, communications and food supplies - putting people at risk, unless reliable, power generation that can be ramped up on demand is secured.