Energy Minister says 'lights will stay on' despite Ofgem warning

The Energy Minister has insisted Britain's lights "will stay on" despite warnings from the energy regulator that the UK is facing power shortages by the middle of the decade.

A report by Ofgem said that spare electricity power production capacity could fall to 2% by 2015, increasing the risk of blackouts.

More investment in power generation and other action is needed to protect consumers, it added.

But the minister in charge Michael Fallon denied claims that businesses would be asked to switch off power for some periods.

He told BBC's Newsnight: "I can assure you, the lights are not going to go out."