Energy blackouts are a last resort this winter, according to the head of the National Grid. John Pettigrew, the boss of the utilities company which distributes electricity and gas, has asked people not to 'panic' amid reports of an energy crisis.
In an interview, Mr Pettigrew said that the Government should be producing a public information campaign. Reduction of energy use this winter could be a real boon for the supply issues that might come up, he said.
"'I know there are discussions between the government and industry about whether there is a need for a campaign," he told the BBC.
"From my perspective, it just makes common sense, not from a security of supply perspective, but when prices are so high, from an economic perspective it makes sense for people to think about how they can reduce their energy consumption," he added.
Mr Pettigrew detailed the scenarios which face the country this winter, urging people to remain calm.
He said: "There could be energy shortfalls in the UK and we will manage that very carefully. This isn't a time for people to panic."
"Most importantly what we're doing is making sure that the infrastructure that we have and the networks are robust and ready for the winter, and I've got thousands of engineers making sure that the network is ready for whatever weather we see over the winter."
The first option the National Grid is looking at if there is an energy shortage is to restart disused coal-fired power stations. Following that remedy, he said that the option to pay households and businesses to reduce consumption during peak times may come into play.
He added that short rolling regional outages would be a last resort. "If we saw that shortfall coming, the most effective way to manage the rest of the network is to ask the distribution companies to reduce demand and they would do that over that rolling period of around 4 to 7pm", said Mr Pettigrew.
Previously the public has been warned of possible power cuts for up to three hours if gas supplies dwindle, but this was termed "unlikely". The company has launched a fund of £50m aimed at supporting charities and organisations that help households in financial distress caused by rising energy costs, says the BBC.
The Fuel Bank Foundation, Affordable Warmth Solutions, and Citizens Advice have each been handed £10m.
