National Grid blackout warning briefly issued as supplies ran low

The National Grid cancelled a power cut alert just moments after issuing it last night (Nov 22) around 7pm - saying it had been triggered automatically. It warned of potential power cuts caused by increased energy usage, with contingency plans put in place after it had been withdrawn, as reported by the Daily Record.

It comes after the National Grid last month warned that the UK could face three hour long blackouts this winter as the current energy crisis and Putin's invasion of Ukraine puts a strain on gas supplies. However, the public was told that such blackouts would be 'worst case scenario', and if they were to happen, they would be confined to single areas and prior warning would be handed out.

In a bid to conserve as much power as possible as the colder months kick in, homeowners are being urged to avoid using high-energy appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, during peak hours, which experts have said is between 4pm and 7pm. The high-demand hours could lead to a "tight electricity margin" the National Grid said, should energy supplies reach a certain low.

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Although last night's alert was cancelled, Brits are being warned that it still highlighted signs of the possibility of there being "much tighter days ahead". Speaking to Daily Telegraph, director at Enappsys and energy sector expert Phil Hewitt, said: "This is the first tight day of the winter but it is not super tight. It is a small appetizer of tightness, there will be much tighter days ahead."

The National Grid ESO wrote on Twitter: " The ESO is confident that electricity margins are sufficient for this evening. However, a capacity market notice (CMN) has been triggered by the automated system. CMN forecasts are issued automatically and are only based on information in the public domain. They do not take into account all the factors which our engineers are working on."

During the Financial Times' Energy Transition Summit in October, National Grid boss John Pettigrew said should power cuts occur, they are most likely to happen in January and February on the "deepest, darkest evenings". According to the Energy Saving Trust, here are several ways people can save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint:
• Being more c areful with your washing
• Spend less time in the shower
• None Only run your dishwasher when it is full

The Daily Record has contacted National Grid ESO for comment.
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