Key emergency services are to be prioritised in Watford in case blackouts do occur this winter, it has been revealed.

Since rumours surfaced that the UK could be without energy during certain hours in the winter months, councils have been in discussions over how to best support residents.

While the potential for blackouts is only a worst-case scenario here are the plans so far for people who live in Watford and Hertfordshire.

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Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor highlighted how the blackouts could affect the most vulnerable including people with disabilities who rely on electricity for their kit.

He said: “If blackouts do occur, our priority will be making sure key services and our most vulnerable residents are protected and that everyone is aware of how to stay safe.

“As part of Hertfordshire Resilience, Watford is linked into a countywide response to any emergency situation that impacts our town and residents.

“We know the National Grid is putting plans in place for this winter and we will work with our partners across Hertfordshire to make sure we are prepared if the situation should arise.”

Watford Observer: The National Grid has warned planned blackouts could hit the UK between 4pm and 7pm this winterThe National Grid has warned planned blackouts could hit the UK between 4pm and 7pm this winter (Image: PA)

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said it is also part of Hertfordshire Resilience, and more than 60 associations working to make sure the county is ready for any emergency.

These organisations include emergency services, district and borough councils, health services and volunteers.

The spokesperson added: “We’re aware of the National Grid’s worst-case scenario for this winter, and we will be working together to make sure that, in the unlikely event that it does become necessary, the key services that people rely on are able to continue operating and that people know what to expect, and what they can do to prepare if we do end up in that situation.”

The fears of blackouts grew after the chief executive officer of the National Grid, John Pettigrew, said blackouts could occur during the “deepest darkest evenings” in January and February.

Speaking at the Financial Times's Energy Transition Summit on October 17 he said they could happen between 4pm and 7pm if electricity generators did not have enough gas to meet demand.

It was the first mention of specific times blackouts could take place.  

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