The National Grid has issued a warning to UK households who could face blackouts during the coldest months of the year as the cost of living crisis continues.
John Pettigrew, National Grids CEO, spoke at the Financial Times ' Energy Transition Summit yesterday (October 18) where he outlined a “worst case” scenario, that could see the National Grid forced to impose blackouts as winter hits its peak.
Earlier this month, the National Grid warned households of power cuts after Prime Minister Liz Truss ruled out energy rationing during the Tory leadership contest and Downing Street insisted in August that Brits didn't need to cut their usage.
But what time could the blackouts take place? Here's everything you need to know.
Will there be blackouts this winter?
It is yet to be announced whether blackouts will definitely take place this winter in the UK.
However, the potential blackouts depend on a number of factors including on whether the UK fail to secure enough gas from other countries in time for the new year, especially if the country experiences a colder winter than expected.
This is combined with lower than usual wind speeds for wind turbines and restricted electricity imports via subsea cables from other European countries such as Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
Any plans for scheduled power cuts will need to be approved by the Government and King Charles before it could come into fruition.
Does the UK rely on Russia for gas?
The UK do not rely on imported gas from Russia.
However, it does gain gas and electricity from Europe during the winter months, which could be limited due to strained relations with the Kremlin due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
When could the blackouts take place?
At the Financial Times' Energy Transition Summit, Mr Pettigrew admitted that fuel for Britain's power stations, which generates most of the nation's power through gas, could be scarce by January in the worst case scenarios.
This would result in blackouts "probably between 4pm and 7pm in the evenings on those weekdays when it’s really, really cold in January and February".
This is a vital time for UK households as most people would be coming home from work and will be unable to cook themselves dinner or have a warm shower.
National Grid have composed an incentive strategy, set to come in next month, which will pay companies and households to reduce their demand during tight supply periods.
A Government spokesperson said: "The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. To strengthen this position further, we have put plans in place to secure supply and National Grid, working alongside energy suppliers and Ofgem, will launch a voluntary service to reward users who reduce demand at peak times."
