Six million homes face power cuts this winter over Ukraine invasion – as households ALREADY hit by cost-of-living crisis

MILLIONS of British households could face power cuts this winter due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ministers are said to be trying to bolster electricity supplies before the cold weather hits, even drawing up plans to ration.

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Limits could be imposed on industrial use of gas if Russia cuts off more supplies to the EU, The Times reports.

As a result, six million homes could see their electricity controlled for more than a month, primarily during morning and evening peaks.

There are fears this would send energy prices soaring and leave GDP lower than forecast for several years amid the already sky-rocketing cost of living.

And it could see families left entirely in the dark should Vladimir Putin stop gas supplies to the EU entirely.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has reportedly written to the owners of Britain’s three remaining coal-fired power stations to ask them to stay open beyond September, when they are due to close, in preparation.

Russia is one the world’s largest producers of oil, but the UK’s reliance on the country’s output is far less significant than its neighbours.

Britain buys less than four per cent of its gas directly from Russia, though it is connected to European markets, while Germany buys the most.

Around 40 per cent of the EU’s overall gas comes from Russia and its members, so the country’s invasion of Ukraine has caused prices to spike due to its control over supply.

And it could dwindle to the point of power cuts by the end of 2022 in what ministers have described as a “worst-case scenario”.

It would see Norwegian imports of gas, which Britain relies heavily on, halve thanks to increased EU demand, meaning the UK would receive nothing as other countries face their own emergencies.

This could spark three months of power cuts, both on weekdays and weekends.

The potential blackout and curbs to prevent it will be another major blow to hard-up families already dealing with rising energy bills.

Prices have soared after last month’s price cap increase – and bills are expected to reach a staggering £2,8000 when it rises again in October.

To help ease the rapidly climbing cost of living, Rishi Sunak announced a £21billion support package.

Under the monster bailout, every household will get £400 to help towards their bills, funded by a windfall tax on oil and gas firms.

Those on means-tested benefits will receive additional lump sum payments worth £650, while pensioner households will get an extra £300 to cover additional costs.

Six million Brits with disabilities will also be handed £150, and £500m will be added to the Household Support Fund to assist those most in need combat the rising cost of food, energy, and water bills.

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The Chancellor told MPs on Thursday: “We need to make sure that for those whom the struggle is too hard and for whom the risks are too great they are supported.

“This Government will not sit idly by while there is a risk that some in our country might be set so far back they might never recover.

“This is simply unacceptable and we will never allow that to happen.

“And I want to reassure everybody that we will get through this, we have the tools and the determination we need to combat and reduce inflation, we will make sure the most vulnerable and least well-off get the support they need at this time of difficulty, and we will turn this moment of difficulty into a springboard for economic renewal and growth.”

The Chancellor announced:

Britain’s annual inflation rate has surged to a 40-year high on rocketing energy costs, squeezing household budgets and leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

Inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, hit nine per cent in April, up from from seven per cent in March.

This, coupled with the conflict in Ukraine and the pandemic, has pushed energy and food prices up and forced banks to ramp up interest rates.

A Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesperson said the UK “has no issues with either gas or electricity supply, and the Government is fully prepared for any scenario, even those that are extreme and very unlikely to pass”.

“Thanks to a massive £90bn investment in renewable energy in the last decade, we have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems in the world,” they added, “and unlike Europe, we are not dependent on Russian energy imports.”

A government spokesperson said the request for the power stations in Drax, Ratcliffe and West Burton to stay open was made “in light” of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“It is only right that we explore a wide range of options to further bolster our energy security and domestic supply – bringing down costs in the long-term,” they said said.

“While there is no shortage of supply, we may need to make our remaining coal-fired power stations available to provide additional back-up electricity this coming winter if needed.

“It remains our firm commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024.”

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk