And then the lights went out

Photos

And then the lights went out

see larger image

uploaded by YourTeacher

I have to say it is very cold, but then again it is November. So why can't these highly paid electricity companies cope with a surge in demand?

Supplies cut out in Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Italy.

In Europe we pay a lot for our energy. More than most other countries. Even though customers in different countries pay prices that vary by as much as 100% and Europe remains a patchwork of national energy policies and regulation in what is supposed to be a single European market.

The governments of France and Germany have continually bolstered and protected their electricity and gas giants—Electricité de France (EDF), Gaz de France (GDF) and E.ON and RWE in Germany. But if they can't provide a reliable service maybe it's time to open up the market and bring in some real competition.

Personally, I am starting a fund to install a wind turbine and solar panels on my roof. Any donations would be gratefully received.

Update - The German distributor E.ON has admitted causing the blackouts, by switching off a power cable across the River Ems to allow a cruise ship to pass.