Winter of blackouts feared if we can't import electricity

BLACKOUTS remain a real possibility this winter after the National Grid came within minutes of ordering hundreds of thousands of households to switch off appliances.

- Giles Sheldrick

The National Grid was poised to press the trigger on the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) to cut consumption as Britain's electricity supplies looked tight.

But it has aborted today's order the first time it was set to go live - as it was decided it was not now required.

Those taking part would have got a discount on their bills for turning off power-hungry ovens, dishwashers and tumble driers at certain times.

Yesterday major supplier OVO said its customers could earn up to £100 with the scheme.

It is the first line of defence if peak evening demand exceeds supply.

Electricity Although there is enough power to avert a national emergency the spectre of interruptions is real.