Blackouts possible over winter if energy imports run short, National Grid warns

Larger businesses will be paid for reducing demand (Gareth Fuller/PA) (Picture: PA Wire)

The first planned blackouts in decades might hit parts of the country this winter if power plants cannot get enough gas to keep running, the body that oversees Britain’s electricity grid has warned.

Households are being encouraged to help avoid blackouts by using more energy during off-peak times and are set to get cashback on their bills by putting on their washing machines or dishwashers overnight.