The United Kingdom is currently suffering its worst electricity crisis since 1947. Nearly everyone in the country has been effected.
Visnews cameraman Leo Waller and Hill McConville shot this film in various London locations on Monday (14 February) to illustrate how the power crisis has hit the ordinary citizen.
Electricity cuts are currently affecting everyone in the United Kingdom. The emergency, caused by a coal miners' strike which has led to a shortage of fuel for power generators, has brought about a system of cut-outs laid down by the Government's emergency measures.
Special notice boards give information to the public about the rota-system power outs. Police have warned all motorists to take extra care during the cuts, when some important traffic lights are blacked out.
Everyone affected has to use an alternative to electrical aids--or go without. Factories have been badly hit and thousands of workers have been laid off throughout the country. There are fears of severe economic hardship for industry.
Shape and offices were the first to be affected. Under Government orders, all unnecessary lighting and heating must be switched off to conserve extra power. Some essential services--like launderettes--have closed down. People are afraid to use them in case there is a cut in the middle of a wash load. Some schools have closed down after heating cuts.
One industry, however, has been stepping up production for almost four weeks. Candles are the only source of light in millions of homes during electricity blackouts. They sell for more than three times their normal price in some street stalls, and even more in some shops.
Restaurants have had cooking problems, but some have power generators to cope with the demand. Candlelight dinners have picked up though, adding at least one pleasant disadvantage to the power shortage.