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UK can be 'confident' it will get energy supplies over winter, says Number 10

As experts warn of blackouts in the darkest months of the year, the government insists there will be sufficient gas and electricity to cover homes and businesses.

Electricity pylons carry power away from Dungeness nuclear power station in Kent as the National Grid warned that a record low demand for electricity during the UK's coronavirus lockdown could lead to windfarms and power plants being turned off to avoid overloading the electricity grid.
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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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."