The recent cold weather has directly affected some large energy users in the UK, as the country's energy network was unable to meet demand over the last few days. Gas users with interruptible supplies were asked to stop using gas at peak times, to help National Grid to balance the UK's energy needs.
This action is unprecedented in recent times and prompts questions about the security of energy supplies in this country, not only during times of unusual weather like wer're experiencing, but onwards into the medium and longer term.
Some commentators are pushing hard for more gas storage to be built in the UK, to protect our diminishing indutrial base from further erosion of their productivity.
Articles in today's Financial Times highlight some of the issues raised excellently:
