Winter is almost here, and the growing energy crisis means blackouts may be on the horizon.
Although the government announced special programs to cover the rising cost of heat, National Grid recently announced that rolling blackouts could be a last resort to scale back limited fuel supplies.
The war in Ukraine has led to significant gas shortages across Europe, and although alternative sources have helped stabilise the country’s supply, nothing is set in stone. Should electricity run low, it’ll be important for everyone to prepare wisely for sustained periods without power.
Emergency blackouts explained
Last week, National Grid issued an updated “Electrical Supply Emergency Code”. Depending on the severity of the energy crisis, blackouts could be rolled out anywhere from three to nine times a week in three-hour intervals.
In an attempt to avoid blackouts, National Grid announced a special scheme to encourage households to cut their winter electricity use on specific days during peak hours. Customers with smart meters will be given 24 hours notice to reduce their electrical use for one hour, and the scheme would incentivise homes with a £100 payment or discount.
In the past, national blackouts have been known to cause a myriad of disruptions to daily life. These three-hour blackouts will likely affect shops, businesses, transit, work, and school. As such, there’s plenty you can do to ensure you are ready, if the time comes.
Tips for blackout readiness
The one upside of the national blackout scheme is that everyone will have time to prepare. You can do plenty to ensure you are ready if or when the power goes off.
Keep torches, candles, and spare batteries around
National Grid has announced that if they happen, blackouts will occur on a 24-hour cycle. Depending on your household, these blackouts could hit in the evening or at night. Having torches around the house will be essential to ensure you can see around the house and avoid any trips or falls.
Purchase battery banks or portable chargers
If you use a tablet, phone, or laptop, prepare for winter blackouts by purchasing a portable charger or extra battery. Having these around can help ensure you can still power or charge your devices when there’s no electricity.
Keep petrol reserves at hand.
Most filling stations require electricity to pump fuel. As such, if you can, it is a good idea to keep a few litres handy if your car runs low on petrol during a blackout.
Keeping warm this winter
Even if blackouts don’t take effect, you’ll still need to consider how the cold weather could intensify over the next few months. There’s plenty you can do to keep warm while scaling back on costs during the ongoing crisis:
- Clean radiators to free up dust and debris
- Install thick curtains to contain warmth
- Protect your pipes from freezing
- Keep a flask or two of hot water to reduce kettle use
- Seal and cover draughty windows
- Use winter clothing indoors
- Make use of the fireplace
- Replace insulation with more efficient materials
Although rolling blackouts are a last resort, things could always take a turn for the worst. As such, planning ahead will be vital in ensuring comfort and safety for your and your family this winter.