What should I do if the power goes out in the UK?

National Grid has warned that if gas supplies run extremely low this winter, British households could lose power for up to three hours at a time. Though the corporation called it a "unlikely" scenario, it did caution that if the energy crisis worsened, supply disruptions were a possibility.

Customers would likely be informed in advance and cuts would likely take place during peak hours. But in a "base case," National Grid anticipates no issues with households.

The power outages, which would happen during periods of high demand, possibly in the morning or more likely between 4 and 7 p.m., would be announced to customers at least a day in advance. To avoid affecting every region of the nation at once, they would be alternated.

The energy provider for England, Scotland, and Wales, National Grid, claimed that the energy markets had seen "unprecedented upheaval and volatility" as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Gas exports from Russia to Europe have virtually ceased, forcing nations to look for substitute suppliers.

Despite having a much lower reliance on Russian gas than mainland Europe, National Grid warned that any shortages there might have a ripple effect on Britain. It provided three potential outcomes for what might occur this winter in a paper.

Its primary tenet is still that there will be enough energy to give Britain the same amount of electricity as it received during previous winters. However, it has modelled two more alarming potential outcomes.

In the first, despite power still coming from Norway, the European energy crisis would prevent Britain from importing electricity from France, Belgium, or the Netherlands. National Grid cautioned that if nothing is done, there could be shortages.

But it claimed to have agreements with three power firms, EDF, Drax, and Uniper, to have extra coal-fired power generators ready to go in case they are required. Additionally, starting on November 1, a programme will be implemented to encourage both enterprises and households to use less electricity at critical periods:

Payments could be made to households with smart metres for reducing their usage, for as by not using their oven or washing machine. Around £10 per day might be paid to households. Larger companies will receive payment for lowering consumption, for as by changing their energy usage schedules or using batteries or generators during peak hours.

In a different assessment, the National Grid especially examined the winter gas supply and warned of the possibility of a shortage in the case of a cold snap, which could be remedied by paying higher costs.

The new energy price guarantee went into effect on October 1 and most households experienced an increase in their energy costs. However, the increase was smaller than initially anticipated as a result of the government's announcement that domestic bill caps will be implemented in order to avoid widespread hardship.

The grid operator came to the general conclusion that this will likely be "a tough winter." The National Grid report is about Great Britain. However, there is also a caution that if nothing is done, Northern Ireland may experience power outages in 2024 and 2025.

What Caused the Power Outage

The cause of the power outage will almost certainly influence how long it takes to restore power.

A minor incident, such as a downed power line, can be repaired in about 2-3 hours by utility workers. When the cause of a blackout is severe weather or a natural disaster, you can expect to be without power for several days, and in some extreme cases, months.

If a power pole falls, it could take at least a day for the utility company to restore power. A serious incident involving an entire power plant could leave you without power for up to a week. Power from other plants is brought onto the grid to compensate for the loss of electricity caused by a plant explosion or incident.

Prepare for Short & Extended Outages

With a rechargeable battery known as a portable power station, you can keep your family safe and your home running smoothly. An EcoFlow DELTA Series portable power station, with large capacities and the ability to power high-wattage appliances, can be your lifeline during a power outage:

Even if your gas and electricity are turned off, you can prepare meals for your family with a microwave or hot plate. Warm up your home with heaters or electric blankets, and remember to keep your phones and laptops charged. A DELTA Pro can keep your refrigerator or chest freezer running for up to a day, preventing the loss of groceries or frozen food.

Although gas generators remain popular, they have limitations, particularly during a natural disaster. Portable power stations, on the other hand, are subject to fewer constraints. Because there are no fumes or gas to store, they can be used safely inside to power your home during a power outage.

Because EcoFlow portable power stations can be prepared ahead of time, they are always ready when you need them. Charge using a standard household outlet, solar panels, or, in the case of the DELTA Pro, an EV charging station or Smart Generator. While there is no power, you can use portable solar panels to charge your portable battery.

Whether it's an hour or a week, use your portable power station to keep all of your home essentials running. Compare our DELTA portable power stations to see which one best meets your needs. 

EcoFlow has released the new Delta 2, see how this new power station compares with the previous model in this Delta vs Delta 2 article.