UK could face 3-hour-long power cuts this winter, this is why

The UK could face power cuts this winter, here is what we know
© Ashley Cooper
The UK could face power cuts this winter, here is what we know
More under this ad

According to the UK National Grid, parts of the country could face three hours of planned outages if electricity from Europe and gas imports do not come through.

Last Thursday, Reuters reported about a worrying energy outlook forthe UK, presented by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) which described potential electricity shortages during this upcoming winter.

Discover our latest podcast

Potential three-hour pre-planned outages

According to ESO the reductions in supply will affect some consumers who will face pre-planned electricity outages of three hour blocks during the day.

More under this ad
More under this ad

This expectation comes in light of the energy situation in Europe. Due to the Ukraine War European countries are experiencing a disruption in the supply of Russian gas, and many countries in response are considering rationing and curbing energy exports as part of their strategy to overcome the winter.

According to Reuters, Russian gas accounts for 4% of the UK’s energy mix, while the energy imports are usually secured close-by in France, Belgium, and in the Netherlands. However, this year this might be difficult due to the continent-wide gas scarcity which is also compounded by the fact that some French nuclear power plants will be undergoing maintenance.

More under this ad
More under this ad
thumbnail
The UK could face power cuts this winter, here is what we know timkouroff

Liz Truss called for European-wide energy unity ahead of the winter

According to the publication, the British government is confident about securing enough power supplies for the winter. According to a spokesman:

More under this ad
More under this ad
‘The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. We are confident in our plans to protect households and businesses in the full range of scenarios this winter,’

Most recently, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss attended the first European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Prague. She used the opportunity to extend a call for unity among European countries for energy security and to face off Vladimir Putin, who has been trying to blackmail the continent with the disruption of energy supplies.

More under this ad
More under this ad

Truss recently also wrote an opinion piece which appeared on The Times, where she also touched base on uniting against Vladimir Putin and overcoming the winter by keeping the lights on across the continent.

‘Putin is hoping he can divide us in a scramble for energy supplies. We must show him that he is wrong,Truss wrote.’
More under this ad
More under this ad

Sources used:

-Reuters: ‘Britain could face three-hour power cuts this winter, National Grid warns’

-Reuters: ‘Truss says to urge unity on energy security, migration at European summit-The Times’

Read more:

Prince Harry: Royal expert claims Duke of Sussex will never return to the UK, here's why

Major UK supermarkets introducing huge change to their stores: Here's what you should know

The cheapest supermarket in the UK could save you over £23 on your groceries

More under this ad