Bleak winter of UK power cuts feared in worst-case scenario for energy supplies

Household energy bills in Britain are predicted to peak at more than £4,400 a year next spring, as ministers draw up “worst-case” plans for a bleak winter that could involve gas shortages and power blackouts.

The prospect of soaring energy bills exacerbating the cost of living crisis highlights the scale of the problems facing Britain’s next prime minister — either foreign secretary Liz Truss or former chancellor Rishi…