Coronavirus: How are Energy Companies Keeping the Lights on?

For many of us, we’re now embarking on a period of working from home, others aren’t so lucky or are now on the frontlines in the fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Not since World War Two has the UK experienced such a massive disruption to its daily existence. Unlike the vast majority of people aren’t having to fight a bloody war, instead, they’ve been simply asked to stay at home and that comes with a whole new set of challenges.

With forecasts predicting that the virus could remove a substantial number of people from the workforce due to sickness some may be concerned that the National Grid won’t be able to cope. Fortunately, the Grid has planned extensively for such scenarios and regularly practices scenarios via war gaming.

“We have well-developed procedures in place to manage the effects of a pandemic and have analysed anticipated effects on electricity supply and demand of mass self-isolation of the UK’s workforce. In fact, demand across the country is expected to reduce; largely owing to a decrease in energy use from industrial consumers, which is likely to be greater than the increase in domestic demand as people stay at home. Please continue to use energy as you usually would… boil the kettle, tune in to your favourite TV show and enjoy a hot shower… there are teams of people working 24/7 at National Grid ESO, committed to making sure you can do just that ” said National Grid Director Fintan Slye.

The National Grid has restricted its regular workforce from entering the control rooms to prevent any possible spread of the virus to its emergency response and critical operations teams.

Another factor that is supporting the energy grid is the increased usage of renewable energy sources. The decentralisation adds to its resilience say the experts as many renewable plants are generally smaller allowing the national grid to handle the withdrawal of smaller sites.

There’s also unlikely to be a shortage of oil and gas soon due to the ongoing price wars between OPEC and Russia. There is a glut of the fuels in the global markets making them cheaper to buy and with manufacturers and industry impacted by the pandemic demand and prices are likely to weaken even further.

Whilst most of us now must stay indoors and/or work from home some have been designated as key workers by the government. These men and women are on the front lines and vital for keeping the country going.

Among these are the staff that are required to keep oil, gas, and electricity operations running. Many of these people work for energy supply companies and the key to ensuring that consumers continue to receive an optimal service.

If you can, stay safe, stay indoors and don’t be an idiot.

Ofgem and Energy Suppliers urged to assist most vulnerable during Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus Pandemic and Oil Price Wars- what’s the impact on Energy Prices?

Coronavirus: Business Continuity for Dyball Associates

Dyball Associates are proud to help new supply businesses successfully launch in the UK market.