The United Kingdom is gripped under a major energy crisis. On one hand, the temperatures are dropping down in winter while on the other energy prices are increasing in the country. Moreover, the economy of the country is not in a good state. So, people are forced to choose between having meals or warming up their homes.
As per the survey, 16.4 million people are dealing with fuel poverty in chilly weather. Also, the government data states that domestic gas and electricity prices are abnormally high. They have gone up by 129 percent and 66 percent respectively within a year. This means there is a 96% rise in the annual energy bill.
The Warm Bank Initiative to beat Winters
To deal with this problem, local councils have opened public places to keep people warm. These warm banks are opened for people to come and spend time in warmth.
The public building and community centers like churches, temples, and gurudwara are also contributing to it. They have opened their galaxies for warm banks.
Incentive Policy for Winters
In India people deal with winters by using layers of warm clothes and blankets both indoors and outdoors. But, in the UK and other European nations, houses have a central heating system. This heating system is powered by gas and electricity.
As people are forced to choose between buying groceries and heating their homes, many have chosen to switch off heaters more frequently. Another reason for it is that gas companies are offering incentives for it.
Like, if a home avoids using their heaters between 5-7 PM, the Power company will pay them in cash. The scheme is known as the Demand Flexibility Service. This specific time of 5 to 7 PM is chosen as it is the time when people return from work or school before dinner.
Summing up,
The snow and chills of winter in the UK have increased the power demand. Also, the Power sector has to increase support for providing heating supplies which seems difficult. Still, the Power sector has warned of nationwide blackouts due to the unavailability of adequate gas to meet the demand.
