Low energy reserves could mean customers pay premium fuel prices in event of bad weather

To report the energy outlook for this winter I visited the national control centre of National Grid.

It's a room the size of a football pitch, dominated by an enormous electronic screen showing the UK's power status as it happens in real time.

Rows of desks are staffed by energy experts whose job it is to balance Britain's electricity demand with supply.

This winter supply is running lower than we have seen for almost a decade.

Four power stations are out of action (five if you count Didcot which is due back online within the next few days).

In total, the UK has over 50 power plants. But the loss of even a handful can make the "safety net" very thin between what we need and what we have.

This winter the Grid is being forced to seek emergency supplies - using tactics never seen before in the UK.

On one side, moth-balled power stations will be pressed back into service. On the other some business users of electricity will be offered contracts to agree to use less power.

Both of these measures will come at a premium price which will be added to our bills.

It will only be around £1 a bill. "Not bad for an insurance policy against power problems", I'm told by insiders.

The truth is that many people believe there has already been a calamitous power failure in this country - one caused by many years of politicians from different parties failing to ensure our supplies are more secure.

As old fossil fuel high carbon stations are going out of action there is little ready to replace them.

This winter we will get a taste of how tight our energy security now is.