How to Prepare for Winter Blackouts

Nick Everything Else property, energy 0 Comments

Unfortunately winter blackouts look increasingly probable in the UK.

There are various reasons for this. High among them is the transition away from fossil fuels to electricity. The latter will increasingly come from renewables like wind and solar. While they are (arguably) more environmentally friendly, renewables are less reliable than fossil fuels and produce significantly less power when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow.

In addition, the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps is adding to the overall demand for electricity, which current generation and distribution systems are struggling to keep pace with.

Even National Grid chiefs have acknowledged that winter blackouts are becoming more likely, in London and the South-East especially [source]. Only a few days ago we apparently came close to a nationwide blackout after an interconnector from the Nordic Grid failed and gas power stations had to be quickly fired up to meet the shortfall [source]. In future, as fossil fuels are phased out, this backup option may no longer be available.

• I have also just heard that on Monday a backstop system designed to prevent blackouts was activated for the first time in two years as Britain’s power grid battled low winds and plummeting temperatures [source].

Finally, we live in an increasingly dangerous world. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East threaten our gas and oil supply lines, which in turn may impact on our ability to generate electricity. And – without wanting to sound unduly alarmist – if these wars were to come to Britain’s doorstep, via the actions of terrorists or hostile nations, then attacks (including cyber-attacks) on our energy infrastructure certainly can’t be ruled out.

For ordinary UK residents, it’s therefore vital to prepare for increasingly likely disruptions to the electricity supply. This applies especially if there are young children or older people in the house, as they may be more vulnerable in the event of blackouts.

So here’s a guide to ensure that you are ready and able to cope during outages.

1. Emergency Kit Essentials

• Lighting: Invest in battery-operated torches and lanterns. Avoid using candles due to fire risks.
• Batteries: Stock up on various types of batteries for your devices.
• Power Banks: Keep portable chargers fully charged for your phones and other essential gadgets.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure it’s well-stocked with basic medical supplies.
• Manual Tools: Have a manual can opener and basic tools handy.

2. Heating Solutions

• Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of clothing and use extra blankets to stay warm.
• Hot Water Bottles: Fill these with hot water before a blackout for lasting warmth.
• Have Alternatives: Beware of relying entirely on electricity for heating. That obviously includes heat pumps, as they need electricity to function.
• Fireplaces: If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood and know how to use it safely. Some other non-electric heating options are discussed in this post.

3. Food and Water Supply

• Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts and other non-perishable items.
• Cooking: Have a camping stove or a portable gas cooker as a backup. Ensure you have adequate ventilation when using these indoors.
• Water: Store bottled water in case of disruptions to the water supply. Aim for at least 2 litres per person per day.

4. Communication and Information

• Battery-Powered Radio: This can be vital for receiving updates during a blackout.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts handy.
• Community Networks: Stay in touch with neighbours, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to offer and receive support.

5. Household Preparations

• Insulation: Check your home’s insulation and draught-proofing to retain heat.
• Surge Protectors: Use these to protect your electronics from power surges when electricity is restored.
• Freezers: Keep freezers closed during a blackout to maintain the cold temperature for as long as possible. Group items together to retain cold.
• Home Battery: If you can afford it, a home storage battery can give your home a backup power source.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply: A UPS is a device that can keep your wifi router and other essential electronics operating for a limited period in the event of a power cut. You can buy one (such as this) for around £100 from Amazon. They will also help protect connected devices from power surges.
• Diesel Generator: it may not be particularly ‘green’, but a diesel generator is another relatively inexpensive backup solution.

6. Health and Safety

• Medication: Ensure you have an adequate supply of essential medications.
• Medical Devices: If you rely on electrically-powered medical devices, discuss contingency plans with your healthcare provider.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If using alternative heating methods, ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors.

7. Entertainment and Activities

• Books and Board Games: Have these on hand to keep everyone occupied without the need for electricity.
• Exercise: Stay active indoors to generate body heat and keep spirits up.

8. Transportation and Mobility

• EVs: If you have an EV, keep it charged.
• Fuel: If you have a petrol or diesel vehicle, keep its tank topped up (service stations need electricity to operate pumps).
• Public Transport: Be aware that services may be disrupted, so plan accordingly and have backup options for essential trips if required.

9. Emergency Plans

• Evacuation: Have a plan for evacuating if necessary. Know your nearest emergency shelter locations.
• Pets: Make provisions for your pets, including food, water and warmth.
• Priority Services Register: If there are old and/or vulnerable people in your house, be sure to add your details to the Priority Services Register. This is free, only takes a moment, and should ensure you’re prioritized in the event of blackouts and other emergencies.

10. Stay Informed

• Weather Updates: Regularly check weather forecasts and be aware of any blackout warnings.
• Government Advice: Follow advice and updates from government sources and energy providers.

Closing Thoughts

While the prospect of winter blackouts may be daunting, thorough preparation should mitigate many of the challenges. By taking steps now, you can ensure the safety and comfort of your household, no matter what the winter months bring. Stay prepared, stay informed, and support your local community.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.