Shortage fear after Russia shuts pipeline

Why might we get blackouts?

Russia decided to cut gas supply from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which is the single largest link for Russian gas supplies to Europe, as a result of the Ukraine war.

While Britain is not reliant on gas supplies from Russia, it could be affected if demand for alternative sources rises in Europe.

Other solutions such as more renewable and nuclear energy will take years to build.

How likely are they to happen?

Analysis by consultancy EnAppSys found blackouts are a real possibility if there are extreme gas shortages across Europe. Coal-fired power stations have been asked to stay open, while ministers also look at reopening Rough, off the east coast, Britain’s largest gas storage facility, five years after it shut. But they’re still a worst-case scenario.

What would the Government do?

If millions of households experienced blackouts, the Government would have to take action.

However, there are not any plans to cut gas use to domestic users.

Officials are more likely to appeal to the public to limit energy usage, ask energy-dependent industries to cut back, and to incentivise customers to use power at times of day where there is more supply.