Great Britain faces rising risk of winter blackouts, system operator warns

Coal plants and nuclear reactors shut down while energy demand expected to rise after Covid restrictions

Great Britain faces its greatest risk of blackouts for six years this winter as old coal plants and nuclear reactors shut down and energy demand rises as the economy emerges from Covid-19 restrictions.

National Grid's electricity system operator, which is responsible for keeping the lights on, said it expected the country's demand for electricity to return to normal levels this winter, and would be braced for some tight periods".