Downing Street has said the government does not anticipate having to ration electricity this winter but has admitted it is “planning for all scenarios” as the war in Ukraine threatens energy supplies to Europe.
A report in The Times on Monday revealed that ministers have been warned of potential power cuts to as many as six million households this winter if there are major gas shortages caused by the Kremlin cutting exports to EU countries.
Although the Prime Minister’s deputy spokesman moved to reassure worrried families that they could face rationing, he acknowledged that the public would expect the government to plan for worst case scenarios.
“Neither the government or national grid expect power cuts this winter,” the spokesman said. “We are in the fortunate position [that] we are not dependant on Russian energy imports and have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems. But people would expect us to plan for all scenarios.
According to The Times report, the ‘worst case modelling’ would introduce limits on industrial use of gas, including on gas-fired power stations, causing electricity shortages, and six million homes could see their electricity rationed in curbs that may last more than a month, mostly at peaks in the morning and evening.
No 10 did not disclose details of the modelling but added: “We have plans that set out reasonable worst case scenarios, but that’s what they are they are not forecasts they are possible scenarios.”
Downing Street also confirmed that Britain’s three remaining coal-fired power stations may have to stay open longer than planned. As part of the UK’s transition to net zero, the three stations were supposed to be phased out by 2024 to reduce emissions.
The spokesman said: “It’s only right we explore a wide range of options to further bolster our energy security and domestic supply...we may need to make our remaining coal fired power stations available to provide back up electiricty if needed.”
He added that the UK remained committed to decarbonising Britain’s electricity supply system by 2035.
