Power up for power outs

Planning for Power Outages: How to Stay Prepared as Grid Reliability Declines

In recent years, power outages have become an increasing concern, not just in the UK but globally. As energy systems grow more complex and the demand for electricity rises, grid reliability is under pressure from various factors—ranging from extreme weather events to ageing infrastructure. In this environment, it's essential to plan ahead and consider how renewable technologies like solar and battery storage can help homes and businesses stay resilient during outages.

What’s Driving Power Outages?

Several key factors are contributing to the growing risk of power outages:

1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
   As the climate continues to warm, we’re seeing more frequent and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and heatwaves. These events can disrupt power supply by damaging infrastructure, overloading grids, or interrupting energy generation. In the UK, Storm Arwen in 2021 left more than 1 million homes without power, with some areas experiencing outages lasting over a week. According to the UK Met Office, the likelihood of extreme weather events is expected to increase, which could lead to more frequent power cuts in the coming years.

2. Increased Electricity Demand
   The global push for electrification, driven by the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and renewable energy, is increasing demand on the power grid. In the UK, electricity demand is expected to rise by 25-30% by 2035, according to National Grid ESO. This growing demand, coupled with ageing grid infrastructure, puts additional strain on the system, increasing the risk of blackouts and brownouts during peak usage periods.

3. Grid Modernisation and Transition Delays
   While renewable energy sources are rapidly expanding, they are intermittent by nature (solar and wind, in particular). Managing these sources and ensuring stable supply requires modernisation of the grid, which is a slow and costly process. National Grid is investing in projects to modernise the UK’s grid infrastructure, but as these upgrades continue, outages remain a risk during the transition period. According to a 2023 report by the Energy Networks Association, investment in grid resilience is lagging behind demand growth, leaving the grid vulnerable to disruptions.

4. Energy Security and Geopolitical Risks
   Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have exposed vulnerabilities in energy security, particularly for countries reliant on fossil fuel imports. In 2022, the UK faced potential energy shortages during winter months due to reduced gas supplies from Europe. These shortages, along with the global increase in energy prices, have highlighted the need for self-reliance and alternative energy sources, such as solar and battery storage, to buffer against such risks.

Preparing for Power Outages with Solar and Battery Storage

With the risk of power outages growing, households and businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to ensure energy resilience. Solar power combined with battery storage offers a powerful solution to keep the lights on during grid outages. Here's how:

1. Energy Independence
   Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, reducing your dependence on the grid. By pairing solar with a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods when the grid goes down. This creates an independent energy supply, meaning you're less vulnerable to external disruptions.

2. Backup Power During Outages
   Battery storage systems can act as a backup power source during outages. When the grid fails, the system switches to battery power, keeping essential appliances, lighting, and heating running. For businesses, this can minimise operational downtime and prevent costly disruptions.

3. Peak Shaving and Energy Savings
   Even outside of outages, battery storage allows for peak shaving—using stored energy during peak electricity pricing periods, which can lead to significant cost savings. With electricity prices continuing to rise, this makes renewable energy not only a reliable backup but also an economically smart solution.

4. Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration
   For those with electric vehicles, bidirectional charging technology allows you to use your EV as an additional energy storage option. This means that during an outage, the energy stored in your EV can be used to power your home or business.

The Importance of Proactive Planning

Waiting for a power outage to happen before taking action can leave you unprepared and at the mercy of grid conditions. Proactive planning, such as investing in solar and battery systems, can provide peace of mind, knowing you have a reliable source of backup power when needed.

Businesses can also benefit from energy audits to assess their energy usage and identify critical systems that need protection during an outage. Similarly, homeowners should evaluate their energy needs and determine the size of a solar and battery system that can support their household during outages.

Government Incentives and Financial Support

The UK government recognises the importance of improving energy resilience and has introduced various incentives to support the adoption of renewable energy technologies. These include:

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): This scheme allows homeowners and businesses to sell surplus energy generated by solar panels back to the grid.
• VAT Relief on Energy-Saving Materials: As of 2022, the UK has introduced a zero VAT rate for the installation of energy-saving materials like solar panels and batteries, reducing the upfront cost for consumers.
• Grants and Funding for Businesses: Various grant schemes are available to help businesses invest in energy-saving and renewable technologies, enhancing their resilience.

Stay Ahead with Storm Energy

At Storm Energy, we help homeowners and businesses prepare for the future by providing customised solar and battery solutions designed to keep you powered even when the grid goes down. Whether you're looking for energy independence, backup power, or long-term cost savings, we can help you plan for outages and stay resilient.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your energy needs and provide peace of mind in an increasingly uncertain energy landscape.