The National Grid has warned about possible power outages this winter across the entirety of the United Kingdom if the nation is unable to continue importing electricity supplies from Europe.
The Struggles of the UK
Amid the UK's ongoing difficulties in importing sufficient quantities of gas to supply its gas-fired power facilities, the utility company in charge of getting energy to people announced plans to limit the amount of energy available.
Europe is in the middle of a big fossil fuel energy crisis. Russia cut off gas to the continent in retaliation to Western sanctions over Ukraine's incursion. People are increasingly frightened that President Vladimir Putin will cut off Europe's energy supply. National Grid has prepared emergency preparations if it cannot receive enough power.
Russia's move to limit exports has made it difficult for other countries to receive gas as they try to avoid a frigid winter.
The Power Outage Emergency Plan
The plans indicate that households in different parts of the country will be notified a day before their electricity is set to be cut off for three-hour blocks. This move is expected to reduce the UK's energy use by 5%.
On the advice of the business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, this emergency plan will need to be approved by King Charles.
The National Grid also said that, in the "unlikely event" that the company fails to secure gas supplies, customers could be left without power for "pre-defined periods" during the day. This will be done to "ensure the overall security and integrity of the electricity system across Great Britain."
Despite having an existing strategy, the company warned that the plan would only happen if the amount of electricity coming from Europe was reduced, as well as the gas supplies for power stations.
Also Read: UK Blackouts Expected To Happen This Winter; National Grid Suggests Continuous EU Energy Imports
What Might Happen to UK Households in December?
National Grid looked at several possible situations to explain what could happen this winter as it tries to ensure it has enough power after Russia caused chaos, invading Ukraine.
This winter, the company has already taken several steps to balance the electricity network. For example, it kept five coal-fired power plants on standby after signing deals with Drax, EDF, and Uniper that cost between £340 million and £395 million, securing up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of power.
The energy firm also unveiled a "demand flexibility service" to launch in November. It will encourage households and businesses to utilize power outside peak demand periods, including early weekday evenings, to reduce system strain.
The initiative was first trialed by Octopus Energy last year, rewarding smart meter customers for using power during off-peak hours.
According to National Grid, the proposal may free up 2 GW of electricity, which is enough to power 600,000 UK households.
In its "base case" scenario, the group projected a "sufficient operational surplus throughout winter" with 3.7 GW more electricity generated than the UK needed.
Related Article: British Household Energy Bills Skyrocket by 80%, More Than $4,000 a Year
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Written by Trisha Kae Andrada
