UK households could face days without power this winter in the Government’s ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’, according to reports.
The cold weather combined with gas shortages means that the UK could see power falling short of demand, with the “worst-case scenario” leading to a four-day period in January where the Government may have to introduce emergency measures, Bloomberg reports . This could mean several days of organised blackouts for businesses and households.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said in a statement that this scenario is “not something we expect to happen”, adding: “Households, businesses and industry can be confident they will get the electricity and gas they need.” The reports come even as Brits are seeing their energy bills soar as the cost of living crisis continues to drive families to the brink.
READ MORE: Proportion of income spent on energy may double in October
MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis yesterday called on the Government to act amid warnings that energy bills are set to rise even more than previously thought. Energy consultancy Cornwall Insights predicted that bills will reach £3,582 per year for the average household by October, before climbing to £4,266 from January 2023, and again to £4,427 from April 2023.
Martin pointed out that this forecast would mean an 81% rise on the energy price cap this year and a further 19% in January. Branding the Government “zombies”, the finance expert said of the face-off between contending leaders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss: "The leadership debate must not ignore this portentous national cataclysm anymore."
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