United Kingdom: Winter power cuts ahead for the UK?

The UK government has hit back at rumors that this winter, as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK could experience blackouts. The government has said that this would be a "worst-case scenario" and a result of Russia cutting off more supplies to the EU. Commenting on whether or not this is likely to happen, technology minister Chris Philp, said the government was currently looking at "sensible precautionary measures to guard against the potential worst-case scenario."

While the UK only purchases around 3% of its gas from Russia, it is reliant on Norway, which supplies roughly a third of its gas. The Times has said that if worse comes to worst, Norwegian imports of gas could halve as EU demand for it increases.

So far, it has been forecast that up to six million homes could see their electricity rationed, during morning and evening peaks, which could last more than a month, a report by The Times claimed. It has been suggested that, as a precautionary measure, the Hinkley Point B nuclear plant "might continue beyond its planned end of life." However, speaking to ​​Times Radio, Philip said: "We have no intention at all of diluting those world leading and incredibly high safety standards."

Once again stressing that the warnings are a "worst-case-scenario" there have been words of reassurance released by Boris Johnson's official spokesperson, who said: "I think you would expect government to look at a range of scenarios to ensure plans are robust, no matter how unlikely they are to pass. Neither the government or National Grid expect power cuts this winter."

Meanwhile, a Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesperson said the UK "has no issues with either gas or electricity supply," and that the government is "fully prepared for any scenario, even those that are extreme and very unlikely to pass."