Lockdown surge hits networks
PEOPLE are being warned to keep gloves and torches nearby as energy networks fight to prevent blackouts.
The country is using more power than ever during the lockdown as we work on computers, watch telly and play video games at home.
As a result, power firms are implementing emergency strategies and putting non-essential work on hold.
The National Grid insisted the UK can deal with the surge, but there are fears large numbers of engineers could soon be off work because of the coronavirus.
UK Power Networks, which maintains electricity cables in the southeast, east of England and London, has written to some customers about what to do in an outage.
Pressure
Advice includes keeping torches close and avoiding opening fridges so food stays cold if electricity is off.
The letter reads: “It’s especially important to keep warm if you are unwell, less mobile or very young.
“Dress warmly in several layers and have a hat, gloves and a blanket to hand so that you can keep warm.”
Those receiving letters include pensioners, disabled people and those looking after young children.
Prof Keith Bell, of the UK Energy Research Centre, said people are now using electricity at the same rate as they do at weekends.
He added: “I think where there might start to be some pressure is when you see a lot of staff getting ill.
“Where there are faults that occur, we have to hope we have enough people to respond to that.
“That might become more difficult as the workforce starts to become more depleted.”