THE lights could literally go out on any future development in Aylesbury as the town does not have sufficient electricity capacity to deal with the proposed growth, the network provider for the town has warned. EDF Energy has advised Aylesbury Vale District Council there is currently insufficient capacity for all the new building work in the town including the Waterside and Berryfields developments. A major upgrade costing £5 million is needed to sustain the proposed building work beyond 2009 but it is currently unclear who will pay. Cllr Carole Paternoster, cabinet member for strategic planning said usually in cases such as these the developers get together and form a consortium and a lead developer takes charge of paying the money and recovering the cost from the other developers. However, if no developer steps forward to pay for the electrical improvements, the cost will fall on the first one who starts building in the town. Cllr Carole Paternoster, cabinet member for strategic planning said: “This is something we have got to get sorted out as it could hold up all the proposed development in Aylesbury.” EDF Energy are not required to pay for the upgrade and the Government have showed no indications that they are prepared to fund the improvements. Rebecca Hopkinson, Press Officer EDF Energy said: “EDF Energy Networks managers met representatives of Aylesbury Vale District Council on July 17 to discuss future housing development in the area and the necessary provision of associated electricity infrastructure to accommodate this growth. “The regulatory framework under which we operate would normally result in such works being chargeable directly to the developers. A letter was sent to senior management at the council on July 20, following the meeting, to offer further support and advice as this development progresses. We shall continue to liaise directly with the council.” AVDC councillors discussed the issue at a cabinet meeting last week and have agreed to spend £50,000 on finding a way of solving the electrical supply crisis. Sir Beville Stanier, speaking at the cabinet meeting said: “This is something that could throw the whole expansion of Aylesbury off the rails. It needs to be looked at the highest level and urgently.” John Cartwright, leader of the council said: “I am horrified about the electricity provision. The Government is turning its back on us.”