Britons are storing up portable generators, torches, winter clothes, thermal underwear, and candles in preparation for potential power outages.
British households and businesses might see three-hour planned power outages this winter, National Grid warned this month, if the country is unable to import enough electricity from Europe to operate its gas-fired power plants.
Sales of generators increased by 203% and those of torches and head torches by 43%, according to data comparing the first 11 days of October 2021 to the same period this year, according to Toolstation, a division of Travis Perkins, the largest building products supplier in Britain.
A Toolstation spokesman said: “Although it’s far from likely that the National Grid will have to resort to blackouts this winter, its evident customers are preparing for this worst-case situation.” He said that the generators may be used to power electrical devices including lamps, fan heaters, and TVs.
The Toolstation data is consistent with a recent Kantar analysis that claimed Britons were storing up on candles and duvets.
John Lewis, a department store giant, said last week that individuals were hoarding dressing gowns, gloves, and thermal underwear.
To assist save costs and lower the likelihood of power outages this winter, energy regulator Ofgem advised British consumers to use less gas and electricity.
