On top of the ongoing cost of living crisis, many Brits may have to face three-hour blackouts during winter amid the deepening energy crisis. The National Grid first spoke about the possibility of introducing emergency anti-blackout measures several weeks ago, with people across the country being urged to conserve power where possible amid shortage fears.
Since then, an ESO blackout alert was issued. However, moments later the energy firm promptly cancelled it. The brief alert warned homes would lose power at 7pm due to 'tight capacity' on Tuesday last week.
Although the alert was removed in the end, many have still been left worried about the current gas and power situation and are wondering how to act if a blackout does indeed occur in the future, the Mirror reports. So below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the possible winter blackouts.
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How likely are the planned blackouts?
The National Grid ESO has insisted that the blackouts would be a 'worst case scenario', and would only be activated if gas supplies fall 'extremely low'. However, uncertainty around what to expect remains a fear. In a report published in October, operators said the UK losing power was 'unlikely'.
On Monday (Nov 28), there was talk that the National Grid's emergency blackout plans to help conserve power amid shortages and avoid winter blackouts could be launched as soon as today. A decision was to be agreed upon by 2.30pm on whether to roll out its Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) early.
Why are we being warned of them?
It is understood that high prices caused by the current energy crisis and Putin's invasion of Ukraine are key factors behind the low gas and power supply we are facing. Since last winter, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the supply of gas and electricity has become a lot more uncertain and costly. Plus, with energy demand usually reaching its highest point during winter, this year more concerns are being raised for the months ahead.
How would the blackouts work?
If the ESO decided blackouts were necessary, households and businesses would be told about them 24 hours in advance. How widespread it would be depends how much network operator companies are asked to cut demand. Any forced cut off would most probably be in the evening, when power demand peaks.
John Pettigrew, CEO of the National Grid, recently confirmed this at the Financial Times' Energy Transition Summit. He said blackouts would most likely happen "between 4pm and 7pm in the evenings on those weekdays when it’s really, really cold in January and February".
According to reports, vulnerable customers, including care residents, would be under the responsibility of network operators. Though the details of this are yet to be confirmed.
Could people get money back?
Normally you might get compensation if your supply goes off. It is not clear how this might apply to planned mass cuts of this kind. As these will be planned and households told beforehand, it's unlikely there will be compensation.
What measures are in place to help?
ESO has also launched a 'Demand Flexibility Service', offering rewards via payments to homeowners with smart meters if they avoid using power during peak times. Residents who have registered with the service are to receive messages asking them to reduce their outputs or change usage times to specific periods of the day, meaning households may have to switch energy-guzzling appliances off when requested.
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