A broad and lively survey of British energy policy since 1979. The book blends economic analysis with political and historical narrative. The author traces the way in which political pressures from the proponents of both nationalization and privatization, as well as environmentalists, have affected the development of an industry which forms a significant part of the national economy. There is a particular focus on the role of government and the influence of technological advances. The revised edition includes a range of new material, including a new chapter on the White Paper on a low-carbon economy and updated discussions on nuclear power (to incorporate the 2003 Nuclear White Paper), price reviews, and emissions trading.