Million Of Homes Warned Of Electricity Cuts This Winter

Millions of households across the UK have been warned to expect blackouts if European supply issues continue to deteriorate this winter.

Gatekeepers News quotes a report by the Times that a ‘reasonable’ worst-case scenario predicts major gas shortages if Russia cuts off more supplies to the EU.

Kremlin had earlier in May, stopped gas exports and electricity deliveries to Finland, in response to Helsinki’s bid to join Nato.

Vladimir Putin has also been accused of using gas supplies as ‘blackmail’ after abruptly turning off the taps on Poland and Bulgaria.

Due to further supply issues, ministers in the UK have reportedly been warned of potential power cuts to as many as six million households this winter.

Limits could be imposed on industrial use of gas, including on gas-fired power stations, causing electricity shortages.

As a result, six million homes could see their electricity rationed, primarily during morning and evening peaks, in curbs that may last more than a month, according to the Times.

A Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesperson said the UK “has no issues with either gas or electricity supply, and the Government is fully prepared for any scenario, even those that are extreme and very unlikely to pass.”

The spokesperson said: “Thanks to a massive £90 billion investment in renewable energy in the last decade, we have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems in the world.

“And unlike Europe, we are not dependent on Russian energy imports.”

UK imported gas, oil and coal worth £4.5 billion from Russia in 2021.

Europe relies heavily on Russian imports to heat homes, generate electricity and supply the fuel industry. While the UK relies on Russian energy to a lesser extent than many other European countries, it is still exposed to the disruption in energy markets due to the invasion of Ukraine.

This has prompted Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng to ask Britain’s coal-fired power stations to delay their planned closures.

The request for the power stations in Drax, Ratcliffe and West Burton, which were due to shut in September, to stay open was made ‘in light’ of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“It is only right that we explore a wide range of options to further bolster our energy security and domestic supply – bringing down costs in the long-term,” the spokesperson said.

“While there is no shortage of supply, we may need to make our remaining coal-fired power stations available to provide additional back-up electricity this coming winter if needed.

“It remains our firm commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024.”