National Grid warns of possible blackouts

[Islineclear3_1]

Blackouts may be imposed on cold weekday evenings between 4- 7pm. How real might this be and how will you prepare/cope?

Blackouts may be imposed on cold weekday evenings, National Grid chief warns

The warning from the head of the National Grid follows the electricity and gas systems operator outlining unlikely scenarios when blackouts may take place this winter.

news.sky.com

John Pettigrew, the National Grid chief, said blackouts would have to be imposed during the "deepest darkest evenings" in January and February if electricity generators did not have enough gas to meet demand, especially if there is a period of cold weather.


His comments were made at the Financial Times's Energy Transition Summit on Monday.

Earlier this month, the National Grid had put the country on notice that the chances of gas shortages in winter have risen and that planned three-hour power blackouts could be imposed in some areas, in the "unlikely" event supplies of gas fall short of demand.

 

[Trackman]

Oh, takes me back to the early 70's!
Is this gas and electricity?

 

[66701GBRF]

I wonder how all those electric car driver's that were sniggering and commenting during the petrol crisis last year now feel with electricity prices through the roof and potentially unable to charge them for a portion of the day.

 

[swt_passenger]

Is this gas and electricity?

As I read it the article is about a forecast lack of gas to fuel the power stations, so yes.

But as came up in a recent discussion somewhere I don't think they’re ever allowed to do random cuts to domestic gas supply, it’s too dangerous.

 

[DarloRich]

yeah - cosplaying the blitz!

Is this a "prepare now this is going to happen" message or an rse covering message in case the worst happens?

 

[ChrisC]

Many people are more reliant on electricity to heat their homes these days than they were in blackouts of the 1970’s. So many homes, especially in the Midlands and North, still had coal fires and gas fires were also more popular. These were often still used in the 1970’s to heat the house or to supplement a central heating system. Now if the electricity is cut off the electric pump to the central heating system doesn’t work and there’s no alternative. I remember sitting in candlelight during the blackouts of the 1970’s but never getting cold because we had a gas fire in one room. Now I don’t have any alternative to the gas central heating system and a couple of small portable electric heaters.

 

[Trackman]

As I read it the article is about a forecast lack of gas to fuel the power stations, so yes.

But as came up in a recent discussion somewhere I don't think they’re ever allowed to do random cuts to domestic gas supply, it’s too dangerous.

Not going to clog up the thread, I'm not sure how many gas fired powered station there are, I will google. I know Connor's Quay is one.
---
Another Q for the forums:
What would happen if they did cut off the gas? thinking about air-blocks, pressure etc.. or would it not matter?

 

[DPQ]

Gas cooker, requires electricity

Gas Central heating, requires electricity

I'm in for a cold evening if the power goes out


Also wireless phone, requires electricity

 

[adc82140]

I doubt it'll happen, but hopefully the power I have stored in the solar batteries would be enough to tide over a few hours if I don't do anything silly like run the electric oven. Gas cookers don't need electricity to run, if you can't generate a spark to light it you can just use one of those clicky lighter things.

 

[Sm5]

If they advertise it in advance people can plan a night out to their local pub.

Speaking to colleagues in South Africa today, this is happening there on a regular basis.

Builder next to me is complaining he cannot get rid of pallets, I spy potential… ive also noticed pallet quality is down, its actually still got tree bark on one side.. All untreated…

Taxi driver the other night said someone he knows has worked out doing a bbq is cheaper than cooking in the kitchen… I did a bbq one cold November’s morning after a house party (place was a disaster), so one with the charcoal, out with the bacon and sausages at 630am.. mist in the air.. the smell work up the neighbours before the alarm clocks did.

A priest at a service in Poland I was once at had a rant to his flock one night in December, I only know so much Polish, so I asked for a translation, at which I was told he was complaining at the money handed in the donations hat.. he said people are only in the building to steal the heat.

if its too bleak to stay in, go out… there will be people, sociality and joviality somewhere. Enjoy stickin it to Putin. What is the news not telling you about gas though, is this shortage a UK thing, a Europe wide thing, or a highest bidder gets the pipe at the time thing.

 

[Russel]

It may be my memory playing tricks on me, but don't we get warnings like this prior to most winters?

 

[Ediswan]

Gas cooker, requires electricity

For everything ? My hob could be lit with a match if needed, the main oven does require electricity, the small oven could probably be got going with a long lighter.

Also wireless phone, requires electricity

I keep a wired phone available (good until Openreach turn that service off).

 

[Sm5]

We need running machines, that generate electricity. Burn off the christmas turkey whilst powering a torchlight. Generates heat too.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

But as came up in a recent discussion somewhere I don't think they’re ever allowed to do random cuts to domestic gas supply, it’s too dangerous.

I think for "planned" disruption, your gas/electricity supplier is required to give you a day's notice

 

[Sorcerer]

In the event of any three-hour blackouts I think that I'll just light the candles and whip out the Monopoly board. That said, maybe the resulting state of the living room would be taking the blitz spirit a bit too far, so I don't know. With any luck this won't happen but with how much of a mess the Truss Government has made of things I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up with a minimum of 15 minute blackouts.

 

[swt_passenger]

I think for "planned" disruption, your gas/electricity supplier is required to give you a day's notice

I think the idea with the gas it’s because they can’t turn it back on safely in case someone’s left a hob turned on. After an emergency disconnection, eg a fire, they have to visit every nearby property to check they’re safe to go back on.

 

[McRhu]

I remember the timetabled power cuts of the 1970s (was it '72?). Every area of the country had its scheduled cuts published in the newspapers well in advance and one could sellotape the pages onto the cupboard door. I remember climbing the hill above the Gare Loch one evening after dusk and watching every light from Dumbarton to Port Glasgow to Helensburgh to Greenock to Arran to Bute instantaneously go off, plunging the entire Firth into darkness. Always reminds me somewhat of Lt Cdr Woodruffe's Coronation Review review of the Fleet 1953.

 

[DelW]

If they advertise it in advance people can plan a night out to their local pub.

In the 1971-2 rota cuts, I remember going out to pubs that were open using candles and electric torches. But those were the days of cash for all transactions, with change often kept in a drawer behind the bar. How well will pubs work now they all use electronic tills and (we're told) most people want to pay by card or phone?

The "do everything online" generation may have a nasty surprise coming.

 

[McRhu]

Ps. I don't want to selfishly disrupt the thread with asides, but here goes anyway... I am fortunate enough to have the 100 foot-wide River Clyde running through my garden at a steady speed of 2-3 Knots. Would this be sufficient to generate enough power for a modest house? (Given sufficient technical know how and the right parts.)

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Well with the right parts, you can set the wheels in motion

 

[GusB]

Some gas hobs do require mains electricity - the one in my late father's house certainly does. Obviously when the power is out, the spark doesn't work, but it won't let gas flow either. Older appliances would probably still work with a match or lighter.

My house is all-electric, so I'll have to come up with a plan. I've already got a pile of candles in a cupboard, so lighting won't be an issue. I can manage for a few hours without the heating on, and the house shouldn't get too cold if I make sure it's warm enough before any power cut. It's simple enough to fill a flask with boiling water for hot drinks. I've got a power bank for charging mobile devices and I'll have internet as long as the mobile networks keep going.

In short, I'll cope with a bit of forward thinking. I'd like to think that I could go to the pub where they have a wood-burner, but there's no guarantee that they won't also be affected by the same power cut, and they may be unwilling to stay open without electricity.

 

[Noddy]

If only the government had started requiring new builds to have solar and batteries fitted as standard, and properly support folk in retro fitting them. A 13kWh powerwall for example can easily cover the 4-7pm peak. But they’d rather invest in dead industries.

 

[Cloud Strife]

A 13kWh powerwall

How much does such a thing cost?

 

[Noddy]

How much does such a thing cost?

According to the below website about 10k including VAT and a ‘standard’ installation. But that’s retro fit. If the government required them they’d be a lot cheaper.

Tesla Powerwall Cost For Installation - What Will The Price Of My Project Be?

Tesla Powerwall Costs- At Empower Energy We Have Over 15 Years Experience Installing Battery's For Households Across The UK Making Family's More Energy Efficient.

empowerenergy.co.uk

 

[birchesgreen]

It may be my memory playing tricks on me, but don't we get warnings like this prior to most winters?

No.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

It may be my memory playing tricks on me, but don't we get warnings like this prior to most winters?

No.

Did in 2021 and 2020, didn't we?

Risk of UK power cuts this winter has increased, says National Grid

Industry bosses concerned energy crisis may cause production slowdowns and factory shutdowns

www.theguardian.com

Extract from 2021 news story...

Risk of UK power cuts this winter has increased, says National Grid​

Industry bosses concerned energy crisis may cause production slowdowns and factory shutdowns
Rob Davies
@ByRobDavies
Thu 7 Oct 2021 14.06 EDT

And a year or so previously...

UK faces energy shortfall and possible blackouts | New Civil Engineer

A 740Mw energy shortfall was expected to occur last night, with additional generators encouraged to come online to balance the grid. As such, National

www.newcivilengineer.com

Extract from 2020 web story....

UK faces energy shortfall and possible blackouts​

05 NOV, 2020 BY CATHERINE MOORE

National Grid has issued a warning that the UK faces an energy shortfall and possible blackouts.

And there was also much media discussion following the major outage affecting London and much of the South East on 9 August 2019.

Granted that's only a two or three year timeframe, but perhaps it's becoming a developing trend?!

 

[birchesgreen]

Did in 2021 and 2020, didn't we?

Not a major story.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Not a major story.

In the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, perhaps not. But not something to be completely disregarded, I would suggest.

 

[uglymonkey]

I also remember the power cuts of the 70's. Being really pleased on rota when I visited the dentist, to find the power was off, so the drill didn't work. My central heating won't work , but my old gas cooker will. I've also got a coal fireplace in one room , so at least I'll be warm. Of course no wifi as router dies, but can still use mobile until the battery dies. The hints and tips to keep warm ( candle in flower pot, wrapping in newspaper) are all being recycled since those days. Strange strange times.

 

[Trestrol]

Thing is if there was world gas shortage why has the world gas price dropped to 192p/therm down from the eye watering 700+p/therm in September. No mention of this in the media who happily shouted the high price from the rooftops. Anybody think the media is looking for a major crisis to panic the public after covid. Also maybe if they stopped demolishing gas holders we would have somewhere to store gas. We could by it in bulk when it was cheap.