Blackouts coming soon?

QrizB

On the specific topic of backup batteries for VoIP telephony, here's an article explaining what ISPs are obliged to provide:

https://netceed.com/uk/news/battery-backup-systems-how-do-network-providers-define-the-term-vulnerable-person-for-digital-phone-lines/

And here's an article with guides on how to apply for most of the larger ISPs.

https://itblogpros.com/free-battery-backup-unit-uk/

If you're not vulnerable (and so don't qualify for a free battery unit) there are many commercial options available. Here's a thread from this past winter where some of them are discussed:

Thread.

Ildhund

I seem to tick lots of the vulnerability boxes, but my Internet connection out here in the sticks is a 4G LTE one. Because the SIM card is inside the modem/router, I can't use it to make calls, so I have to use VOIP. Skype was always my service of choice; when it trotted off into the sunset a couple of years ago, I had a bit of credit which I'm still using up. Anyway, what are the chances that Vodafone will provide me with an emergency power pack so I'm not completely isolated from the outside world in the event of a power outage? Will the wireless still work?

Netexporter

I though Vodaphone went to satellite if there is no terrestrial signal. They did some of the testing in my area, which has vast not-spots. (probably requires a fairly recent phone, I imagine)

Ildhund

@TroubledTarts complained that:

… the post is like a daily mail headline clickbait with no substance.

It's not clear whether this is referring to @WiserMiser's OP or to the original Guardian article. I asked several incarnations of AI searchers to find the source of the Guardian piece; it seems that it all derived from Ofgem's succinctly-named "Decision to Approve DCRP/MP/25/06." If that was indeed the fount of this particular nugget of information, then I take my hat off to the Guardian journalist who managed to make something readable out of the official jargon.

MeteredOut

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82099875#Comment_82099875

"I take my hat off to the Guardian journalist who managed to make something readable out of the official jargon."

Unfortunately, readable does not equate to factual.

born_again

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/solar-eclipse-electricity-octopus-energy-b3031615.html#:~:text=Octopus%20Energy%20is%20urging%20people,90%20per%20cent%20of%20sunlight.

Poor reporting.💩

Octopus Energy is urging people not to use plug-in appliances and devices such as dishwashers, games consoles and washing machines between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, when the moon will block more than 90 per cent of sunlight.

Clearly they have never heard of Octopus saver sessions, or that many other suppliers do the same.

prowla

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82100864#Comment_82100864

Octopus are offering a free hour's electricity on Sunday if you reduce your power use between 6 and 8 o'clock.