Blackout fears over Russia standoff: Six million homes ‘could face power rationing’ under Government’s ‘reasonable worst case’ scenario – as ministers scramble to keep old coal plants open
- Government ‘reasonable worst case’ assessment if Russia blocks more supplies
- Six million homes could face rationing as countries scramble for gas stocks
- Ministers are asking coal-fired power stations to stay open longer for security
Six million homes could face power cuts this winter if the Russia standoff escalates, ministers have been warned.
The grim picture is painted in a ‘reasonable worst case scenario’ prepared for the government.
It predicts major gas shortages at the turn of the year if Russia cuts off more supplies to the EU, with plans drawn up to ration electricity if the situation deteriorates.
According to the details seen by The Times, limits could need to be imposed on industrial use of gas, including on gas-fired power stations.
The threat has prompted Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to ask Britain’s coal-fired power stations to delay their planned closures.
A Business Department spokesman insisted 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’.
Although the UK uses very little oil or gas from Russia, it would be left scrambling for supplies against other European countries if Vladimir Putin turned off the taps.
According to the details seen by The Times, limits could need to be imposed on industrial use of gas, including on gas-fired power stations
The threat has prompted Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to ask Britain’s coal-fired power stations to delay their planned closures
But ministers have apparently been told that six million homes could see their electricity rationed in curbs that may last more than a month.
Contingency measures could mean power being turned off on weekdays between 7am and 10am, and between 4pm and 9pm. Gas supplies to homes would not be hit.
There is a worst-case scenario in which Russia cuts off all supplies to the EU, which could result in three months of rationing covering weekdays and weekends.
Putin has been threatening to pull the plug if countries refuse to pay for gas in roubles – although Russia is heavily reliant on income from energy sales.
A Government spokesman 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.
‘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.’
The Business Department spokesman said: ‘Thanks to a massive £90billion 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.’
Vladimir Putin has been threatening to pull the plug if countries refuse to pay for gas in roubles – although Russia is heavily reliant on income from energy sales
Source: Read Full Article
