How to prepare for power cuts this winter?

markbloke

I'll just hibernate as usual.

1carminestocky

I can't imagine the power cuts lasting for long even if they DO happen. The energy companies have shareholders who won't be best chuffed with the lack of revenue during any prolonged outages.

For the ones who like to look ahead, what about investing in Trevor Bayliss' company now? lol.

mech_2

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7638564.stm
But according to the National Grid, these surplus figures are not the whole story.
The total "surplus" capacity also includes the standard 4000-5000MW "safety cushion" that the National Grid incorporates in its weekly targets.
The latest capacity forecast shows the UK is on target to achieve that 4000MW minimum, every week, for the remainder of the year.
Nonsense
"It is nonsense to suggest that the UK is at high risk of blackouts," said a spokesman for the National Grid.
"The margins of surplus capacity we are forecasting are similar to any other winter".

1carminestocky

I know, blooming scare stories, the press were even suggesting HBOS was in danger of going bust a few months ago. Crazy. The board of HBOS soon allayed all fears. Wait a minute...

spiro

lauren_1 wrote: »

We are well prepared, solar lights, wind up torches, candles and camping stoves.
Nothing wrong with going ott, after all your the one who is going to be up the creek without a paddle if any do happen

I think the solar lights might not last long in the middle of winter unless our seasons have reversed.

rchddap1

Not prepared at all. Will just join in with the rush when it does.

Pink_fluff

It's 2008, not 1908. Calm down. If a power cut happpens, it happens

going2die_rich

amcluesent wrote: »

So, assuming that our clapped out national grid will fail this winter, what's the best way to prepare for the black-outs? I heat by gas, but cook by lecky.

Currently on the shopping list -

Basic £30 UPS for the computer, so it won't get data corrupted by the power going off suddenly.
End-of-season sale gas BBQ to give some basic cooking
Tilley Lamp for the living room with 5 gallon drum of paraffin in the garage
Bulk buy candles for elsewhere in the house.
Collecting bottled water as and when.

Also

Wash out 1litre milk bottles and fill with water and keep in freezer to help keep food frozen for hours. Have a duvet handy to wrap fridge/freezer while the power is off.

You sound like someone who panics at any news story. So just do whatever panic plan you did when the millenium happened - can you not use the same nuclear bomb shelter you built back then?

going2die_rich

chickflick wrote: »

have i missed something wat is supposed to happen?

The end of the world.... well, no power for a few hours, so your PC can't get on the Internet! Quick buy a generator NOW!!!!

Pink_fluff

Lol at above. Why would you need to collect bottled water - water still comes out of your tap regardless.power or no power