Power cut fears pressure the Grid

FRESH fears that Britain may suffer damaging power cuts this Christmas emerged as the Government was urged to do much more to guarantee a reliable energy supply.

The widely respected Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) warned it was now 'critical' that new gas storage facilities were brought on line to beef up energy reserves and reduce the risk of blackouts.

Industry experts believe National Grid's chief executive Roger Urwin could come under intense pressure this winter, given the most recent projected demand and cutbacks in generating capacity.

Last December, a record demand surge and the breakdown of some power stations pushed the industry's reserve capacity worryingly close to minimum levels.

David Anderson, chairman of the ICE's Energy Board, said: 'Nothing has changed in the world of generation other than the plant is a year older. I think the energy providers will be very concerned going into this winter.'

In England and Wales, the available generating capacity is 65,000 megawatts and National Grid looks to keep between 15% and 20% in reserve. The ICE wants this put up to between 20% to 25%.

Already, forecast demand in December is expected to be near peak levels at 54,000 megawatts.

The engineers institution argues that Britain faces an energy crunch as it switches from being a net exporter of gas to a net importer and relies on supplies from as far afield as Russia and Qatar.

In a submission to the Government's Energy White Paper this week it urges ministers to consider a new nuclear building programme and the creation of an Energy Agency to ensure the security of supply.