[bitontheslide]

The UK is facing "a significant risk" of gas shortages this winter, according to the industry regulator, which could impact electricity supplies.

Ofgem said due to Russia's war with Ukraine, there is a possibility the UK could enter a "gas supply emergency".

This would lead to supplies being cut to power stations which use gas to generate the country's electricity.

It places firms at risk of running out of money because of huge charges they pay if they cannot deliver electricity.

Gas-fired power stations generate between 40% and 60% of the UK's electricity.

Ofgem wrote a letter in response to SSE, which operates four gas-fired power stations in the UK that produce electricity.

SSE is concerned that operators of gas-fired power stations face millions of pounds worth of costs if they are unable to fulfil promises to supply electricity "caused by events outside their control".

A power station will burn gas to create heat which powers a turbine. This creates electricity which is transmitted up and down the UK's National Electricity Transmission System via pylons or underground cables.

Ofgem said: "Due to the war in Ukraine and gas shortages in Europe, there is a significant risk that gas shortages could occur during the winter 2022-23 in Great Britain. As a result, there is a possibility that Great Britain could enter into a gas supply emergency."

If this happens, supplies would be cut to "the largest gas users" which are likely to be "large gas-fired power stations which produce electricity to the National Electricity Transmission System".

It is not clear if this could result in electricity blackouts or mean homes and businesses will face energy rationing this winter.

During the Conservative Party leadership campaign, Prime Minister Liz Truss ruled out rationing.

Asked about the risk of blackouts this winter, Ofgem told the BBC: "This winter is likely to be more challenging than previous ones due to the Russian disruption of gas supplies to Europe."

But it said: "Britain is in a good position with little direct import of gas from Russia

"Nevertheless, we need to be prepared for all scenarios this winter. As a result, Ofgem is putting in place sensible contingency measures with National Grid as well as the government to ensure that the UK energy system is fully prepared for this winter."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63118574

[Cherie]

Keep your ipads and phones charged

[bitontheslide]

they wouldn't put out that warning unless there was a significant chance of it happening. What it probably means is that gas would still be provided to consumers but our electricity will be cut

[Zizu]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

they wouldn't put out that warning unless there was a significant chance of it happening. What it probably means is that gas would still be provided to consumers but our electricity will be cut

Our gas central heating system is controlled by electricity


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