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Monday 23 January 2023

Electron Shortage



People will be paid to use less electricity on Monday

Up to a million households in England, Scotland and Wales will be paid to use less electricity on Monday evening as part of a scheme to avoid blackouts.

National Grid said the scheme, which has only been used in tests so far, would run between 17:00 and 18:00 GMT.


A benefit of Net Zero and Levelling Up I suppose. Both seem to imply a third world electricity supply. The following sentence is further down the article. Sceptics and cynics might refer to it as an "explanation", but it is not up there with the headline for some reason. 

This week's cold snap is expected to lead to high power demand, while wind power is forecast to be lower than usual.

7 comments:

Ed P said...

This might become a regular occurrence, as winter sun is feeble and the winds do not always blow, so the much-reduced backup generation will be inadequate.

We'll soon need a new, non-racist word for 'blackout'!

Woodsy42 said...

I wonder at what point this rebate for not using electricity will be called what it actually is - effectively a fine for using electricity when it's scarc?

microdave said...

"Effectively a fine for using electricity when it's scarce?"

Wouldn't it be shame (NOT) if the fools who signed up to this trial were cut off completely (by their "Smart" meter) if they don't make sufficient reductions in consumption...

Sam Vega said...

Nut Zero strikes again.

I skimmed the ESO site to find out who was paying for this. No answer of course, but I was mightily impressed that all the mixed-race people who advertise sofas and fitted kitchens are working for the National Grid.

A diverse nation, at peace with itself. And bloody cold.

A K Haart said...

Ed - yes, long low wind periods are fairly common, yet we've known that forever.

Woodsy - much effort will go into not calling it a fine, but that could be an uphill task.

Dave - it could happen and the possibility must be in the plans somewhere.

Sam - and they have the cheek to call it a service.

dearieme said...

Not just low wind speeds chaps: too hearty a blow stops 'em too.

A K Haart said...

dearieme - it's entertaining to read a few explanations of the high wind issue because they tend to be written as if it is some kind of consumer benefit that the things are protected in this way. Hardly any mention of the standby generating capacity needed to pick up the load and what that might be.