Written by Harold Armitrage
In my article of 19th July 2019 (link) I wrote about future energy policies. Now the pigeons are now coming home to roost – see this article in the DM on Friday, 17th September.
As the world economy winds up as the covid pandemic winds down, energy prices are set to rise steeply. So steeply that the “Go Compare” website has closed down, unable to give a fixed price. Wholesale gas prices have risen around 20% and seem to be set to continue to rise. This affects the price of electricity. Most of our gas comes from the Middle East by cryogenic tankers or by pipeline from Norway. However this doesn’t protect us from price rises, the gas could be easily sent elsewhere.
Is this the start of the energy war, inevitable at some point as depletion sets in? No doubt the Russian will put their spoke in, holding the EUSSR to ransom – see also here. Could the international electricity links be closed? Who knows. No doubt poorer and less influential parts of the world will suffer the most. Will we see rolling blackouts this Winter, is the whole emergency contrived?
It’s probably a good idea to work out how you would survive if there were to be power cuts this coming Winter. Times of peak demand are the most likely to cause problems.
Back in 2017, Britain’s largest gas storage facility was closed as no longer fit for purpose (link). There was a plan to spend a massive sum of money to refurbish this facility, I don’t know what progress has been made.
So, what can we individuals do in the event of planned or even unplanned power cuts this Winter? The main danger arises from unplanned power cuts of unknown duration – most likely to be caused by political troubles from the EUSSR.
My own house uses no gas and has massive insulation. There is a small wood burning stove that has a hotplate for cooking. Plus of course a store of wood. Alternatively, a “Camping Gas” stove. If you have gas heating, except for old fashioned gas fires, it won’t work without electricity. I also have candles and torches. The main problem would be freezers and fridges. To overcome this, I have a small petrol generator (and of course petrol).
It’s necessary to make sure you have a plan as to how to connect your appliances to the generator and have a test run before any problems arise. Have a can of “Easystart” to hand. I have an idea there might be a rush to buy portable generators, right now would be the time to get one. Bear in mind, some “el cheapo” portable generators are unsuitable for use with electronic equipment, electrical “spikes” generated can cause permanent damage.
Keep your car well topped up with petrol/diesel (the fuel pumps need electricity too). Remember the car radio can keep you in touch with events if things get very bad. If you buy candles, also buy cigarette lighters. Some people might need to practice lighting candles, I’m told!
But make your arrangements right now and be sure you know where everything is and you could find it in the dark. Have several torches and keep one by the bed.
Make sure your other essentials (food and toilet rolls etc.) are well stocked up, lack of electricity disrupts every aspect of our lives including Tesco.
Be sure to have at least one telephone that needs no electricity.
Make sure your water supply isn’t open to freezing.
If the worst comes to the worst, snuggle up in bed under a duvet.
Be security minded: what people can’t buy, they might steal. What action would you take if there was an intruder?
Photo by cloth.paper.string | sarah 
Which is worse coal or extinction. I know, we’ll rebel and demonstrate. That should keep us fed.. I know , More Tax.
Will we lose Broadband ?
Prepare for a mini ice age! Magnetic North has moved East of grid, and the last time this occurred Britain and Europe endured a freezing conditions. River Thames froze and Oxen could be roasted upon it.
I invested in 2 x KW petrol generator, plus large gas cylinders, torches, candles, mountain sleeping bags, tinned food and biscuits. A Porta Potti and environmentally friendly chemicals etc. Large water containers and purifying tablets.
Green Peace activities with their climate change policies are daft and expensive, and have never explained how they will control Sun spots, Moon wobbles which affect tides, volcanos above and below sea. Clean rivers, oceans, protect animal species and rain forests, yes. But deluded conceit if they think man can control climate.
Ernie Blaber
It’s probably a good idea to work out how you would survive if there were to be power cuts this coming Winter.
How?
or
Why?
The Russians are acting up.
https://www.dyballassociates.co.uk/energy-rationing-fears-grow-due-to-low-uk-gas-reserves-and-russian-opportunism
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/europes-energy-crisis-goes-from-bad-to-worse-as-dutch-and-u-k-natural-gas-prices-see-double-digit-gains-11631714492
I have a phone that needs no electricity: old fashioned type that gets its power down the phone line from the local telephone exchange.
But this option will soon be gone due to Government policy. All that is old is not necessary time expired, especially when modern alternatives fail for one reason or another.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Well Harold, in your July 2019 article you state ‘global warming is happening’.
No it is not !!
A lot of bad things are being done, because IDIOTS believe it is happening, and believe it is due to CO2, and believe we must stop it happening, by closing down power stations that we actually need.
So we are in danger of not having enough electricity in the national grid.
None of your suggestions today are of any use to me.
All good advice – thank you.
I have been thinking of a small generator for a while – now soon to be bought.
And the last point you make is already covered (!). Are ya feeling lucky, punk? Well are ya?
(I’m sure someone will correct that phase).