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Storm Arwen and our power supplies

(29 Posts)
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ayse Thu 02-Dec-21 08:04:57

I’m sure most of you have seen the news that thousands of people are still without power and at least one death caused by the cold. Many of these people rely on electricity alone for heating, lighting and cooking.

It strikes me that currently electric only heating solutions such as heat pumps are being pushed as the future but as this power source for many is not reliable what alternatives could or should be available?

Interesting that I received a questionnaire not two weeks ago asking for comments on Northern Power’s business plan, for want of a better word. It was asking for customer feedback.

The plan was suggesting they would invest in re-wilding areas and planned to bury 66 kilometres of cabling! Some of my feedback suggested they concentrated on putting their cabling underground because of climate change and the increasingly severe weather.

My concerns seem to be well-founded after this current power outage. If I lived in one of these villages and had the finances I would be seeking local solutions to guard against this. My suggestions would include alternative means of heating (log burners) and local power generation not to mention a massive effort to underground cable the most vulnerable areas.

I know some of this would not fit in with the current green agenda but my heart goes out to all the people who still do not have their power restored. Thank goodness for their community spirit.

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henetha Thu 02-Dec-21 10:28:10

I feel desperately sorry for all those affected by the recent storm and power cuts. It must be absolutely dreadful to be without power for several days at a time.
When I moved here 12 years ago it was all electric (I've since had gas installed). It occurred to me that if there were power cuts it would be a nightmare, so I bought a little camping gas stove.
It's marvellous. I can heat water for hot drinks or to fill a hot water bottle, heat soup or baked beans or whatever.
It's been so useful over the years, I can't imagine how I would have managed without it.

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Shandy57 Thu 02-Dec-21 14:21:23

henetha, what type is it that you can use it indoors?

I had a camping stove but it said outdoors use only. I sent my son a barbecue, at least he could cook sausages outside and his dogs would be pleased!

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Cabbie21 Thu 02-Dec-21 14:33:54

I cannot imagine how awful it must be for these poor people. I gather that the power companies simply do not have enough engineers to cope with the situation, nor enough generators as a back up. It seems to be up to local communities to look after each other, and some people are so kind, generous and public spirited.
I understand that Boris refused to let the army help at first, and today I heard they were involved but just checking up on people, which is all well and good, but seems a poor response from the government in this crisis.

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