There will be sufficient supply of gas and electricity for homes and businesses over the winter months, the government has insisted.

Fears have been rising that the UK could face blackouts amid soaring energy prices and strains on supplies, mainly due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

UK warned inflation could hit 18% next year – cost of living latest

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi last week suggested rolling blackouts were unlikely as preparations were under way for the winter.

But it has not allayed concerns, with former government advisors warning of Christmas power shortages if Downing Street does not order energy rationing.

The Sunday Times reported that plans are being worked up by the National Grid to pay energy customers with smart meters to turn off high energy appliances – like tumble dryers and dishwashers – in order to relieve the strain on resources.

But asked if the public should be reducing their consumption, a No 10 spokeswoman said: “Households, businesses, and industry can be confident they will get the electricity and gas that they need over the winter.

UK inflation to top 18% as gas prices soar, banking giant Citi forecasts

Sir Keir Starmer calls for home insulation plan to save households cash as energy bills hike looms

Liz Truss’ cost of living plans could put people on the streets, claims Rishi Sunak backer

“That’s because we have one of the most reliable and diverse energy systems in the world.”

The spokeswoman said this was due to the UK’s lack of reliance on Russian gas, the country’s access to North Sea reserves, and imports from “reliable partners” like Norway.

Subscribe for free to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts,  Spotify, Spreaker

And she said people should not panic or feel they should cut down on energy use.

“These decisions, in terms of energy consumption, remain decisions for individuals,” added the Number 10 spokeswoman.

“But what I’m saying is that households, businesses, and industry can be confident that they will have the electricity and gas that they need.”

Related posts:

PM apologises ‘unreservedly’ over killing of 10 civilians in Ballymurphy Wait for COVID inquiry ‘hard to take’, says campaigner who lost father to virus Starmer leadership in turmoil as poll finds 69% of Labour members would prefer Burnham UK has no plans for investigation into UFOs after Pentagon report Number of Tory MPs say they think PM won’t follow through and introduce domestic vaccine passports MPs raise concerns after finding 56 asylum seekers ‘packed’ into room at intake facility Under my leadership Labour will be ‘back in business’, Starmer to tell party conference Jeremy Corbyn is ‘the past’, leading Labour MP says ahead of Keir Starmer’s speech MP dialled 999 and evacuated children from her home after ‘immediate firearms threat’ No 10 refuses to comment on fresh reports detailing lockdown parties PM allegedly attended Brussels hands UK two month court ultimatum after ‘illegal’ Northern Ireland protocol move Tory leadership rivals in fiery exchanges during second live TV debate