UK put on notice to prepare for blackouts between 4pm and 7pm on ‘really, really cold’ days in winter

National Grid has warned that Brits could be forced to suffer with blackouts over the winter months should gas imports be reduced.

The UK was placed on notice earlier this month by National Grid there is a chance of three hour blackouts could be required to in the “unlikely event” over gas supply demands.

The UK is reliant on some imports of gas from countries in Europe and coal fired power stations are on standby.

John Pettigrew warned that the blackouts could take place between 4pm and 7pm in January and February on “really, really cold” days in the middle of winter.

The National Grid said, “In the unlikely event there is insufficient gas supply available in GB to meet demand, and should the market be unable to resolve the resultant imbalance, we have the tools required to ensure the safety and integrity of the gas system in the event of a Gas Supply Emergency.

“All possible measures would be taken to minimise the extent to which we use these tools.”