Really quite concerned about energy blackouts.

[User63683783736363]

Anyone else? If they actually happen. Hopefully it's just the media scaring us, I try and stay away from the news.

before anyone tells me in being hysterical, please hear me out. I know that all of us are in the same boat but..

I have two dc, both with sen. No power would be hell on Earth if it's the evenings. We had a power cut last night due to bad weather, it was stressful. They need routine. DS is petrified of the dark. We have torches and candles but it's still not ideal.

as well as this I'm concerned about how cut off we will be. Live in the middle of nowhere, don't get phone signal indoors at home so we rely heavily on the internet, wi-fi calling and even now our landline is plugged into our router after having a letter from BT to tell us to do so, so it's not like we can even use an old wired landline.

would mobile phone masts go out in a blackout? Sorry if I sound clueless , we don't get indoor signal but do get outdoor - but I can't sit outside for hours just in case someone needs to contact us.

I have two vulnerable relatives and worried they won't be able to get through for whatever reason!

again, sorry if sound ott. I wasn't too worried but after our power cut last evening for several hours, it got me worried.

Employers will have to accept that people who WFH will be unable to work during certain times. After all, the power will be off at the office sometimes as well.

Do schools power go off too?

I think I might spend some time this weekend sorting out a blackout box/kit - I'll probably raid the camping stuff as a starting point! DH suggested getting a generator the other day. He works in the fire service (please be careful with candles!!) and thinks there is a real possibility of some blackouts this winter.

My main worry is keeping warm.

Yes. And GPs, care homes, supermarkets etc.

There is a list of places that are protected in the document.

So in effect, mine could be off for 8 hours on the Monday? Jfc 🙈

Half of it is before 6:30 in the morning though. Or 7:30 if it is going to take an hour to turn back on. And it's just Monday. And then you will,have one more three (or four) hour block during that week.

They want people to live in fear but the reality is that the lies are streamed through TV sets to brainwash the gullible public so the last thing they want is a blackout that will turn off your television.

Why can't they just do all the brainwashing while the power is on? If they put some effort in the brainwashing it should last the three hours whilst the power of off surely. 🧠 🫧🫧🫧

Buy a generator. We live rurally and have one set up. We just need to plug it in to outside of house and it takes over and powers the house for us.

I think given your circumstances it would be useful to be prepared just in the event of normal power cuts. We were off for days after storm arwen.

We are campers which helps! If you have a tablet and Amazon prime, Netflix or even I player you can download some of their favourite programmes. They last a few months.

Do you have a power pack? I have one that cost about £25 and will recharge phones or tablets 10 times.

I also have a couple of USb charging lights and one of the little cassette gas cookers.

It wouldn't be ideal but would allow you to keep a lot of things closer to the norm and their routine

I saw something the other day that said if you speak to your energy company and getting added to the PSR (Priority Service Register) then you won't have the blackouts. I think you would qualify to go on it.

Can anyone recommend an excellent power bank that will charge 2 phones to maximum and doesn’t lose its ability to do this over time?

I cant really see your chart clearly, But I think I am M band, cn you please tell me what that meas? huge thanks!

I hope they are whilst I'm at work.

I wonder if work will get to keep the power on!

@Chesneyhawkes1

"I wonder if work will get to keep the power on!"

Not unless you work at a hospital, MOD, Police etc.

All the PSR does is indicate that you have a need to be alerted and offered support and assitance. Anyone with an under 5, for example, is entitled to join it for power and water. I would be surprised if it meant your power wasn't cut off...

More info here: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services/about-the-priority-services-register

@ZeroFuchsGiven for Band M, level 1 begins as
Thursday 06.30-09.30
Thursday 18.30 - 21.30
Saturday 03.30 - 06.30

My School is in block V does that mean it won't go off?

@1dayatatime I work for the railway - if no power, no trains. So that will be interesting !

@User63683783736363 op, if you're phone service has been moved over to digital voice, do you know if you have full fibre broadband? (Fttp) if you do you can get a broadband back up unit - it keeps your broadband going if the power goes off, atleast for a bit anyway!

Are they called magic bulbs? Does anyone have a link for them please

Thank you so much!

Yes it does. V is protected so it must be in the same area as something protected like a hospital or a sewage plant.

I work for the railway - if no power, no trains. So that will be interesting !

Everything I have read says that rail transport will be kept connected.

I saw something the other day that said if you speak to your energy company and getting added to the PSR (Priority Service Register) then you won't have the blackouts

They can’t keep individual houses turned on.

Yes. No exclusions for schools, old peoples homes, smaller hospitals etc

Your attitudes will inform your DC's reactions so stop being terrified and start presenting it as an exciting adventure. Living by candle light! Have something in for them to have as a treat if the power goes out. Maybe do some practices. Talk positively about all the fun things you can do if the power goes out e.g. camping out in the lounge, new books and games in a special box, special snacks, a wind up radio etc. keep an iPad charged up with a few films downloaded and watch them from your lounge camp out.