Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

Primrose

Reading in today's paper that Russia is threatening to sever gas supplies to Germany and Poland as early as next week I think we should all be aware that not only will our gas supply become much more expensive, we could also be threatened with severe shortages in the future as this country is nowhere near energy self-sufficient. I fear that many people don't realise just how vulnerable this country is to energy shortages. Sensible people will act now to ensure they have alternative emergency heating,lighting and cooking arrangements. We have a good stock of candles, wind-up torches and one of those little one-ring camping portable gas stoves than run on gas canisters. And in a last resort, there's always the barbeque and we can go scavaging for wood to burn on it. Those of us old enough to remember the dreadful post-war energy shortages, power black-outs and the three day week must be beginning to wonder if we're in for it all over again.

[Deleted User]

oh I hope not primrose but I also think it is inevitable. I believe that there will be rolling power cuts. I have a relative in a great big important ftse 100 company and they have had to shut down power on certain days otherwise the uk generators won`t cope. That was last winter!!!

My dh has documents in the car boot referring to previous proposals for a severn barrage (I think the date was about 1969) it was turned down as being too expensive at the time. Governments have been so incredibly short sighted in this country and soon we and our children and grandchildren will bear the brunt

cw18

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Ok so with the latest challenge peeps - when ar eyou hopign to not put your heating on before??

My challenge is

' I WILL NOT PUT MY HEATING ON BEFORE NOVEMBER 1st! '

whos next??

Would love to join in with this, but unfortunately hubby has health problems that mean I have to be driven by his comfort -- though he is good about wearing a jumper around the house, and often putting a dressing gown on as well.

My target is just to try and stop him whacking it up to 24 degrees when he feels a 'bit chilly' (which isn't as easy as it sounds as the thermostat is in a 'too convenient' location). I normally keep it at 18-19, but during the warmer months I turn it down to 15-16 so that it will only kick in if we have a really cold snap (or when the system throws a wobbly like it did a couple of weeks ago -- quickly rectified thanks to our BG Servicecare contract).

mrs-moneypenny

im certainly going to try leaving mine off till then, it tends to be DH that puts it on in cold mornings before he goes to work "so we wake up to a nice warm house". i've already told him not to this year as it makes the kids want to sleep in and i have trouble getting them up for school. Ive been chanting tips off here about ways to keep warm without resorting to the heating, like hot water bottles in the kids beds before they go up and wearing jumpers closing the curtains etc.
Hes a shorts and vest all year sort of guy, but still puts the heating on. I've told him to put trousers on instead;) .

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Primrose wrote: »

Reading in today's paper that Russia is threatening to sever gas supplies to Germany and Poland as early as next week I think we should all be aware that not only will our gas supply become much more expensive, we could also be threatened with severe shortages in the future as this country is nowhere near energy self-sufficient. I fear that many people don't realise just how vulnerable this country is to energy shortages. Sensible people will act now to ensure they have alternative emergency heating,lighting and cooking arrangements. We have a good stock of candles, wind-up torches and one of those little one-ring camping portable gas stoves than run on gas canisters. And in a last resort, there's always the barbeque and we can go scavaging for wood to burn on it. Those of us old enough to remember the dreadful post-war energy shortages, power black-outs and the three day week must be beginning to wonder if we're in for it all over again.

I have to agree that I have thought for a long time we may be in for fuel rationing and power cuts at some time in the next year or so.I remember the power cuts last time round,we would have to check in the daily local paper to see when your eight hours would be for the switch off.I think we all need to be prepared as you are just incase.Everything is just ripe for it to happen again.

lucy7509

If they do incur rationing and 8 hour blackouts, that should mean that everyone would decrease their energy bill by 1/3. That could be a blessing in disguise for some!

Lucy7509

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

It's not such a hardship once you get used to it.To be honest it's amazing how you adapt.As they say necessity is the mother of invention and we always found ingenious ways of managing.I'm not too worried myself I have loads of candles and things I might need.It's just a matter of getting organised beforehand.I remember last time candles became very expensive and in our area became rationed to about six candles per person.Not a lot if you have no lighting for 8 hours.I do think candles are something I shall be buying more of.

wannabemoneysavingstar

I agree with using candles and wouldn't be at all bothered if it was only me but DS is a bit over enthusiatic running round the house, playing and bumping in to things, and my furniture is not the most solid (mostly ikea ) so it all wobbles if you touch i and im scared of setting fire to the house, has anyone got any OS ideas that would help?

Thanks

Lily-Lu

We experienced our first power cut since the 70s last night. Just calling the cat to come inside at around 11.45, when all the lights went out. Quite amusing really as we were all (us and neighbours) coming out of the front doors to see what on earth was happening. Even the street lights were out. Took me right back to the 70s:rotfl:

Typical of me though, I have lots of candles, gas camping stove, gas lantern etc....But had no idea where they were:rolleyes:
Groping about in the cupboads in complete darkness wasn't easy, but we did find the lantern and stove:T. Ended up making a brew on the front garden path:rotfl:

It was only off for about an hour and a half, but I've learnt my lesson and am keeping all the equipment in easy reach for the future. And although I've got lots of canndles, I'm still going to stock up just in case we do have our electric rationed:)

Magentasue

I'm not one for panic buying but I always used to have a box of candles under the sink. Now I only have a couple of scented ones on the go. Not much use in a power cut! So ... cheapest candles - can you still get boxes of three dozen household candles?