Fears of three-hour daily energy blackouts this winter

Despite denials from Liz Truss, the National Grid has warned that both households and businesses of possible risk of being cut off.

A worst-case scenario could include “load-shedding”, where power is restricted to different areas at different times to prevent uncontrolled outages.

Homeowners will be encouraged to use electrical appliances like washing machines at night to prevent potential disruption during peak hours. Under other contingency plans, households and businesses could be handed £10 a day to stop using electricity when needed.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine caused a reduction in gas supplies to EU countries, which created unprecedented uncertainty for energy markets.

Power cuts in winter can be a scary business.

How to check if it is really a power cut?

Step one: look outside are the street lights on. If they are check your fuse box that all your switches are on. Check prepayment meters.

During a full power cut:

You can report a power cut and get advice by calling 105 . Local check

You can also search by postcode on the Energy Networks Association’s website, and stay up to date with developments by following the National Grid on Twitter

Make a power cut survival kit:

• Torches (one for each member of the family).
• Powerbank charger for phones.
• glow sticks
• Spare batteries.
• Wind-up radio. (Amazon)
• Non-Perishable Foods.
• Can opener.
• Warm blanket.
• First aid kit.
• Laptop Solar power station

Stay warm

Dress warmly, layering up with cotton, wool or fleece. You might benefit from outdoor clothes too, such as a hat, coat, and scarf. Blankets and sleeping bags may come in handy if you’re in it for the long-haul.

A full freezer will keep temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).

• Store foods in the same drawer – they’ll keep each other cool.
• Stand meat and poultry items in a tray incase they drip juices if they thaw
• Keep some bagged or dry ice at home

Check whether vulnerable neighbours have a power cut plan.

RED CROSS CHECKLIST

In light of this uncertainty, a publication providing more information and insight, with the aim of helping customers and stakeholders to prepare for the winter ahead.

Download the publication