As winter rolls in with its harsh conditions, it can become much harder for UK households to afford to heat their homes, especially for those already struggling to afford to turn their heating on!
The Energy Networks Association has started a campaign to provide the help UK homes need in the possible event of winter power outages this cold season.
Who are the Energy Networks Association?
Energy Networks Association (ENA) are a not-for-profit industry body that represents the companies that operate the energy network in the UK and Ireland. They help their members meet the challenge of delivering energy to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
What is the Aim of the ENA Campaign?
The ultimate goal is to help households that could potentially lose power during the winter due to planned work and unexpected power cuts. They want people to know what to do if they do lose power.
What to do in the Event of Winter Power Outages
The most important thing to do is to prepare a plan for when the power goes out. Keep your phones charged so that you can report outages online via PowerCut105 or free emergency number 105.
What Should You Do to Be Prepared?
Your energy should never be out for more than 3 hours, but this all depends on how serious the problem is. If possible to prepare, here is what you could do:
- Check on your neighbours: Make sure those living next door and nearby, particularly the vulnerable and elderly, know what is happening and when. It is also a good idea to call family members and let them know too.
- Use a Torch: Torches are a safer method than candles and should be kept at hand.
- Keep Charged: Fully charge all of your devices like phones, laptops, tablets, and batteries.
- Layer Up: Get blankets and warm clothes ready for use.
- Stock up Hot Water: Fill a flask with boiling water that can be used for hot drinks and a hot water bottle to keep you warm.
- Leave the light on: This way you know when the power is back on.
During the Winter Power Outages
- Save the Food: Make sure you keep your fridge and freezer closed to protect the contents inside. Your food can be kept safe for up to four hours.
- Prepare some Food: It is likely appliances in your kitchen will be out of bounds whilst the power is off. You might want to have some food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
- Turn off Electrical Appliances: Turn off appliances that are not made to run unattended. This can be cookers, grills, chip pans, air fryers, hair straighteners and electric fires. When the power comes back on, you don’t want this running without you knowing. You may want to unplug your TV, PC, and other similar appliances to avoid damage from a sudden surge when the power returns.
- Keep Doors Closed: Try to keep the doors to rooms shut as much as you can to keep in the heat and to stop cold drafts.
- Save Your Work: If you work from home, save your work regularly to ensure nothing is lost. Your computer should have an auto-save feature, so it is best to make sure it is on.
Become Energy Independent and Beat the Winter Power Outages
One of the biggest things you can do to prepare for power cuts is to become less dependent on energy by installing measures like solar panels on the roof of your home. But just how can you get solar panels exactly?
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
With this government-backed grant, households can receive energy upgrades like modern heating and insulation. Solar panels can also be received through this grant for absolutely free.
Solar and Battery Packages
Energy Advice Helpline offers affordable solar and battery lease packages for as little as £50 a month. Solar gives you complete energy freedom through the generation of your own electricity and with a battery, the ability to store surplus for the times you need it the most – such as during power outages. You will also begin to see savings on your energy bills. The sooner you get solar the better; remember – a day without solar is a day wasted!
