Martin Lewis has issued an important message regarding energy usage amid warnings that Britain could be facing three-hour blackouts this winter. Appearing on today's (Nov 15) episode of ITV's This Morning, the financial guru answered questions from callers seeking help amid the current cost of living and energy crisis.
One person who rung up said they had a question about switching to an economy-7 meter and whether this would help save energy at home and help the National Grid with electricity surges. The Money Saving Expert founder replied with advice that many other homeowners could take into account.
He said one particular way people could help to avoid blackouts this winter is by using non-essential appliances between certain hours. "We hope there will not be any blackouts, but there are emergency scenarios where short power cuts in different regions are possible, that have been put forward by National Grid," he said.
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"The peak time for energy usage is 4pm to 7pm. Four to 9pm is the main time, but 4pm to 7pm is the real peak time. So as a bit of working together to help each other, if there's stuff that's no hassle to you not to have on between 4pm and 7pm.
"If you can have your washing machine and your drying machine on during the day and it doesn't really matter to you, and you're not on a time of use tariff, let's all try not to put stuff we don't need to put on between 4pm and 7pm. If it's a hassle for you, you do what you want to do, I'm not telling you what to do."
His advice comes after warnings that the UK could face three-hour blackouts this winter amid gas shortages. In October, the National Grid laid out three scenarios that could happen should gas run low and how to conserve power.
The most extreme plan was three-hour blackouts. But National Grid Gas Transmission said separately that while gas demand will increase this winter, it expects Britain to be able to get enough gas to take it through a 'Beast from the East' scenario or a long, cold winter.
"We have one of the most reliable energy systems in the world and we are in a favourable position. However, it is incumbent on a responsible and prudent energy sector to ensure the right contingency measures are in place," Ofgem said.
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