Government can't rule out widespread electricity blackouts 

The warnings have come from both the regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, and operator EirGrid, which say electricity supply will remain tight for many years to come

Across Europe, households face a potentially tough winter as energy prices surge and power generators fear a cold snap that could test supply. File picture

The Taoiseach has said "every effort" will be made to avoid blackouts this winter as Ireland grapples with 'tight' supply issues.

EirGrid has identified a serious risk to security of supply arising from the long-term outages of two large power plants, at Huntstown and Whitegate, which remain offline but are anticipated to come back onto the system in October and November.