Warning signs are mounting over the UK’s energy situation this winter
The British authorities want to encourage, through rebates, consumers to favor off-peak hours to use energy-hungry appliances such as washing machines, in an attempt to mitigate the risk of power cuts.
According to press information partially confirmed by the manager of the national electricity network (ESO), the latter is considering “rewarding” with discounts the British who adopt such virtuous behavior. They could receive up to 6 pounds (7 euros) per kilowatt-hour used at off-peak hours, by running washing machines, dishwashers, dryers or video game consoles less between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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“We are developing a new service that consumers will be able to benefit from this winter, and will provide additional information soon,” an ESO spokesperson said. According to the Sunday Times newspaper, the manager will submit the idea of the device to the regulator of the sector, Ofgem, hoping to see it succeed by the end of October.
The revelation of this project comes as alarm signals are multiplying over the UK’s energy situation this winter, even though Economy Minister Nadhim Zahawi has ruled out the possibility of cuts.
Electricity prices for individuals should have more than doubled over one year next January
In the midst of the oil and especially gas shock aggravated by the war in Ukraine, drastic increases in energy prices are expected in the coming weeks. The United Kingdom is very dependent on gas compared to other countries such as France, where the energy mix includes a majority of nuclear.
Electricity prices for individuals should have more than doubled over one year next January. The average energy bill per household could then reach 6,000 pounds per year according to some estimates, or nearly 20% of household disposable income in the United Kingdom.
Health professionals on Friday warned of a ‘humanitarian crisis’ on the horizon as more Britons risk having to choose between heating their homes or feeding themselves this winter. Inflation has already reached 10.1% over one year in July, a record in 40 years. And price increases could exceed 13% in October, according to the Bank of England.
In mid-August, the UK energy sector called on the government to “rapidly” increase support to consumers in the face of soaring energy prices. But resigning Prime Minister Boris Johnson has referred this file to his successor, who is being appointed by Conservative party activists, a consultation whose result should be known on September 5.
Liz Truss, the favorite, favors tax cuts, while her rival Rishi Sunak speaks of “moral responsibility” to provide more direct aid to consumers, the public subsidy currently being 400 pounds per year.