Millions of Britons could be told to turn off lights to stop blackouts

Back to the dark ages? Now millions of Britons could be told to switch off the lights and turn down the thermostat to avoid blackouts this winter under emergency plans

• The government could introduce the plan if the energy crisis worsens in winter 
• The National Grid might also have to pay big energy users to cut down 
• A document shows contingency plans for avoiding blackouts in the UK this year

Households might have to turn down their thermostats and switch off lights to avoid blockouts under emergency plans.

Government measures to tackle the energy crisis this winter would include appeals to the public to cut down on energy use in the event of an electricity or gas supply shortage.

A document of contingency plans by the National Grid seen by The Telegraph showed ministers would use the option if the energy crisis worsened even further.

The news comes as EU countries were told to cut their usage by 15 per cent from next month over concerns they will not be able to store enough for winter after Russia reduced its supply of gas on the NordStream pipeline.

The government might have to tell the public to cut down on energy use this winter to avoid blackouts and shortages if the energy crisis deepens this winter 

Countries such as Germany, France and Austria have already appealed for their citizens to cut down on energy use by turning off lights, turning down thermostats and taking shorter showers.

The UK document said that if the government had to introduce energy-savings measures, the messaged could be send via TV, radio, social media and posters.

To avoid rolling blackouts in the UK, the National Grid could also pay some large energy users to use less power to ease the pressure on the grid. 

Household bills are expected to soar even further this winter to more than £3,300 as the UK’s energy crisis deepens. 

Some EU countries have already told people to save energy by by turning off lights, turning down thermostats and taking shorter showers

Energy Consultant Cornwall recently said the price cap for the average household could increase by £360 more than expected.  

The rise in the cost of energy will put further pressure on Britain’s struggling households as the cost of living continues to rise. 

The government has announced a £15 billion package to ease the crisis – giving up to £1,200 to the most vulnerable households.

However, if Cornwall’s predictions are correct, household will still be £900 worse off by January even with the maximum help from the government. 

The National Grid will release an early winter outlook next week, aimed at tackling what is expected to be difficult winter.

Consumer champion Martin Lewis has warned millions of people could be pushed into poverty by the rising cost of living and energy crisis.  

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