Summer is still running, but winter is approaching, and while Russia is cutting the amount of gas it sends to Europe, European countries are developing contingency plans to avoid running out of energy.
Based on the “reasonable worst-case scenario”, the British government is already preparing for several days in the winter months when, combined with shortages of cold gas, it builds up “reserves” across the country. Reaches the country, businesses and homes. .
After the government tabled emergency plans to restart coal-fired power plants, London predicted the grid could only guarantee a sixth of the power during peak demand, anonymous sources told Bloomberg. .
For four days in January 2023, the United Kingdom will experience “blackouts” and must implement measures to reduce gas consumption, in a worst-case scenario where gas supplies from Norway and France can be delivered. and decreases. , when each country tries to preserve its own reserves for the colder months of the year.
However, the British government hopes that a dark scenario will not develop, but does not rule out the possibility that it will eventually act.
Bloomberg points out that this will be a problem for whoever succeeds Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he steps down next September. In a worst-case scenario, Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will have an energy and social crisis on their hands, as the British public has expressed great displeasure at the significant increase in energy costs, which will double in the face of rising inflation. and reduced purchasing power.
