Homes could be plunged into darkness this winter as the nation faces the shocking prospect of power cuts.
The warning, following the release of grim industry figures yesterday, will dredge up memories of the last electricity crisis in 1974.
Then, households had to manage with candles, factories were put on short-time and TV broadcasts ended at 10.30pm.
The figures from the National Grid suggest that the country could be crippled by energy shortages when the colder weather bites because there is so little spare capacity.
The loss of only one of our 38 biggest power stations at times of high demand could lead to breaks in supply, bringing factories to a halt and leaving many homes in darkness.
'We should be very worried - this is reaching national crisis proportions but the response is piecemeal and inadequate,' said the industry watchdog.
I remember the 1974 blackouts, one of my lads was born 9 months later.
I'm not saying this will happen, BUT I'm going to spend a few pounds on candles and put them away, just in case.
I remember 1974 candles where hard to find, and when you could find any they where a lot of money, I know this because I was one of those people selling candles, I used to drive to France in my van and stock up.
The only tip I can give you, if your going out to buy some candles don't buy the fancy ones, they are whipped wax, and they don't last long, buy the white ones.
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