The Met Office has released its predictions of a mild winter this year, though warns a cold snap is still possible, with many worrying how they will stay warm and deal with potential blackouts.
Christopher O’Reilly, from the University of Reading, expressed his concerns on the situation before the Met Office released its winter predictions, and said: “In the UK, winter temperatures have a strong impact on the demand for gas and electricity.
“For example, a winter with a 1C temperature anomaly results in roughly a daily average gas demand anomaly of 100 GWh over a winter season. In monetary terms, based on the UK October gas price cap, this equates to about £1bn for each 1C UK temperature anomaly… the numbers are pretty big, and the stakes are pretty high.”
A statement from the National Grid caused alarm earlier this month when it warned of three-hour blackouts if the UK is unable to import energy supplies from Europe, though these blackouts are only a part of the energy provider’s emergency plan in the event they cannot secure supplies, which it described as unlikely.
Professor Paul Davies, a fellow at the Met Office, commented: “The most likely scenario as we head into 2023 is a return to more wet, windy, and mild spells possible.
“However, there is still a risk we could see a cold spell for the UK and northern Europe, although the chances of a very cold winter, comparable to 2009/10, are still low this winter.”
The Met Office has predicted the weather should remain fairly mild into the end of the year, but peaks of high pressure are to come in from the Atlantic and bouts of snow and ice are to be expected. Weather may become more unpredictable for November and December.
Although no official warning has been issued for the effect the dropping temperatures will have on energy costs, the cost of living crisis is already affecting millions across the UK.
Current advice outlines ways to reduce the cost of energy this winter, such as ‘winter-proofing’ the home, putting on extra layers, taking showers instead of baths, and turning the thermostat down by just one degree.
The government has also announced they will be giving every UK household £400 off their energy bills, coming in 6 instalments, from October to March.
To find out more about what to do if you are struggling to pay your energy bills this winter, visit the Money Saving Expert or consult updated government advice.
