Winter power cuts

The Government has reportedly drawn up plans to effectively ration power supplies if Russia tightens its squeeze on EU gas supplies.

“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,” the spokesperson added, “and unlike Europe, we are not dependent on Russian energy imports.” Prior to the war in Ukraine, the EU received 40 percent of its gas supply from Russia, with that figure now down to 26 percent and the bloc aiming to slash it to 13 percent by the end of the year. The modelling scenario is believed to examine what would happen if Britain received no gas imports from “interconnectors” in the Netherlands and Belgium if they face a supply crisis themselves, The Times reports.

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Russia is Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas, providing around 35% of the gas used across the continent, but the UK’s reliance on Russia is not that significant at just 3%. Natural gas piped from the North Sea and the East Irish Sea to refineries on land makes up 44% of the UK’s gas production. A government spokesperson said 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.

Government modelling of a “reasonable” worst-case scenario predicts major gas shortages in winter if Russia cuts off more supplies to the EU over the Ukraine ...

It remains our firm commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024.” Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Prime minister Viktor Orban has insisted that an oil embargo should not be discussed at the summit. “Neither the government or National Grid expect power cuts this winter.” By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

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

But threats to security of supply have prompted Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to ask Britain’s coal-fired power stations to delay their planned closures. Ministers have reportedly been warned of potential power cuts to as many as six million households this winter, with the Government drawing up plans for rationed electricity if supply issues deteriorate. 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.

MILLIONS of British households could face power cuts this winter due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Ministers are said to be trying to bolster electr.

A government spokesperson said the request for the power stations in Drax, Ratcliffe and West Burton 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," they said said. "Thanks to a massive £90bn investment in renewable energy in the last decade, we have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems in the world," they added, "and unlike Europe, we are not dependent on Russian energy imports." "And I want to reassure everybody that we will get through this, we have the tools and the determination we need to combat and reduce inflation, we will make sure the most vulnerable and least well-off get the support they need at this time of difficulty, and we will turn this moment of difficulty into a springboard for economic renewal and growth." And it could dwindle to the point of power cuts by the end of 2022 in what ministers have described as a "worst-case scenario". The Chancellor told MPs on Thursday: "We need to make sure that for those whom the struggle is too hard and for whom the risks are too great they are supported.

Threats to security of supply have prompted Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to ask Britain's coal-fired power stations to delay their closures.

“It remains our firm commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024.” “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. According to The Times, Government modelling of a “reasonable” worst-case scenario predicts major gas shortages in winter if Russia cuts off more supplies to the EU.

Downing Street has said the government does not anticipate having to ration electricity this winter but has admitted it is “planning for all scenarios” as ...

Downing Street also confirmed that Britain’s three remaining coal-fired power stations may have to stay open longer than planned. “We are in the fortunate position [that] we are not dependant on Russian energy imports and have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems. But people would expect us to plan for all scenarios.