Fuel

Gas prices are rocketing. A lot of our electricity is supplied by gas turbines so we will see electricity prices surging soon.

At the same time we have lost some capability to import electricity from Europe due to a fire.

Fuel has been short at the pumps, for which the government are blaming a lack of lorry drivers.

Apparently HGV drivers are leaving the profession due to bad working conditions. Maybe joining the union and applying pressure to employers, who are now over a barrel would be good idea.

Whatever the reason, many frustrated motorists will switch to electric cars to avoid problems at the pumps. This will exacerbate the problems in the gas and electricity sectors.

A modest electric car uses about 3KWh per mile. The average mileage of a driver is about 8000 miles per year, so a car will use about 2667KWh per year. The current average household consumption of electricity is around 3700KWh per year so the addition of an electric car to a household will raise it’s electricity usage by over 70%. It doesn’t matter if the owner charges up at home or at a charging point – it’s the same load on the national grid.

Before the cable fire, and the petrol/diesel shortage and the surge in gas prices we were still at risk of blackouts. So it would not be surprising if we do see blackouts this winter. In fact it would be surprising if we do not see blackouts. And many people who have traded their fossil fuel car in for an electric model will be less than happy. But petrol stations will be out of action too as the pumps need electricity to work.

So as winter comes,

  • stock up with coal or logs if you have a burner,
  • buy some candles or battery powered led lights,
  • keep your phone and laptops charged
  • keep your car tank full
  • maybe even invest in a portable gas heater or even a generator.
  • and:-