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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Katie Williams

Big Power Off: What is it and when is the next energy protest happening?

Households around the UK plunged into darkness on Sunday - but it wasn't a power cut.

As energy prices soar and families struggle to make ends meet, an at home protest called 'Big Power Off' was organised fuelled by frustration and anger.

Glasgow Live reported on why it was started and spoke to the organisers Karen Brady and Disabled People Against Cuts' Jennifer Jones.

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The first 'Big Power Off' took place on April 10 at 10pm and people were encouraged to switch their electricity off at the mains for 10 minutes if they can.

Karen said she wanted to create an impact and hoped if enough people switched their energy on and off at the same time, it would create a 'power surge. Karen is now organising a second protest after 'gaining momentum' last Sunday.

She said: "We are not intending to smash the grid but by building up national support, we aim to threaten to do that and get the government to see that we're serious.

"Although many people have suggested smashing the grid entirely, that might be dangerous for people who have medical devices for survival."

Jennifer from DPAC told Glasgow Live that that many people who are disabled or ill will be relying on life-giving equipment and will be unable to take part in a 'switch off'. Her campaign group was therefore encouraging people who could not take part in a full switch off to reduce their energy usage to only the essentials for the day.

When is the next 'Big Power Off'?

The next Big Power Off will take place on Saturday April 16 at 7pm.

They are asking everyone to switch off their energy for 10 minutes at 7pm on the dot with an aim of creating a power surge on the grid.

How to take part in the next 'Big Power Off'

On Saturday April 16, everyone who can is being asked to switch their electric off at the mains for 10 minutes.

Jennifer said for those who can't, reduce the usage through the day. She suggested making a flask of tea the night before or in the morning so you don't have to boil the kettle.

She said you can also use solar panel lamps or candles and camping chargers to charge devices.

She and her son spent the evening playing cards and board games by candle light during the last power off.

People taking part are encouraged to share that they are doing so on social media with the hashtag #BigPowerOff.

Will the 'Big Power Off' create a surge?

Glasgow Live spoke to Green Energy Consultant Wendy King from Energy Guide who she said believed it was a 'great way to show solidarity'.

She said: "In essence, the Big Power Off protests are a great way for everyone to show solidarity at their frustrations with the current energy/cost of living crisis."

She added: "On a technical level, the idea is that this move will cause an imbalance in the national grid i.e. consumption becomes lower than predicted and therefore the electrical supply is too great.

"This could cause power stations some significant inconvenience that they are not used to, but in reality they can likely cope quite well with such a move, since they are already used to dealing with surges in demand. For instance, when millions of people tune in to watch certain TV shows."

In terms of how much disruption it could cause, Wendy says that would "depend on a variety of factors, for instance the area, whether they have reliable backups, but most importantly the numbers".

She added: "In order to cause a noticeable disruption, tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people would need to participate. More importantly, those participating would need to be within the same power infrastructure."

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