Heavy snowfall affects UK gas supply and electricity lines

Heavy snowfall will continue to cause problems in the UK, with warnings that today’s weather as the coldest for the winter season so far.

According to forecasts, temperatures in the country could drop to -20C, including in several southern counties, setting new local records. Meanwhile across the UK, schools have been closed, travel concerns still continue and energy cuts hit thousands of homes.

As of this afternoon, the AA has attended to more than 16,000 power grid breakdowns. The figure will likely to reach 20,000 by the end of today, much higher compared with 9,000 on a normal day.

Meanwhile, the National Grid has already issued its second gas warning, with energy demand expected to make a new record of 454 million cubic metres.

A spokeswoman stated that technical problems at the Langeled pipeline have resulted in supply shortfall of 52 million cubic metres. The National Grid informed that other suppliers are now pumping more gas into the pipeline and that consumers are cutting back their consumption in response to the warning.

Ninety-five industrial companies in north-western England, East Anglia and East Midlands were advised to stop using gas due to high demand from other customers. Roger Salomone of the Engineering Employers’ Federation commented that the recent National Grid move had exposed the vulnerability of the UK’s energy system. He urged the government to take the country’s energy security problem more seriously, including increasing gas reserve facilities.

In related news, about 5,000 houses in southern England have no power because of trees falling on electricity lines. At least 25,000 homes all over the UK have been likewise affected since Wednesday.