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

Updated on October 10, 2022 at 11:35 AM

by Luan Trimi

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.

The UK could face power cuts this winter, here is what we know

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.

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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.

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.

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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:

‘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.

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.