Energy bills are set to rise because Britain will become more reliant on energy imports to fill a shortfall in domestic production, the industry watchdog has warned. Ofgem said supplies are on a "rollercoaster" and heading "downhill fast".
Responding to Ofgem boss Alistair Buchanan's comments, the chief executive of industry trade body Energy UK said the Government should "get on with exploring the options for UK shale gas reserves".
Angela Knight stressed it would "help energy security and focus on the affordability of energy to households and the competitiveness of British industry".
Opponents of tapping into shale gas reserves claim it causes pollution and earthquakes, while failing to offer a viable long-term solution to the country's energy needs.
Our increasing reliance on gas leaves the UK more reliant on an energy supply from a very dangerous part of the world.
So what is behind the new urgency in the warnings about keeping the lights on?
The boss of energy regulator Ofgem has warned that the looming shutdown of several coal power plants will raise energy bills further.