--- title: "UK Authorities Anticipate Energy Blackouts This Winter" description: "The Guardian reports that the BBC has already secretly prepared scripts to read on air in the event of energy shortages causing blackouts." date: "2022-10-19" modified: "2022-10-19" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/uk-authorities-anticipate-energy-blackouts" categories: - "Energy" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "energy" - "gas" - "the digest" - "uk" --- # UK Authorities Anticipate Energy Blackouts This Winter ![The Guardian reports that the BBC has already secretly prepared scripts to read on air in the event of energy shortages causing blackouts or empty gas reserves — a telling sign that between the war in Ukraine, growing energy uncertainty, and a fast-approaching winter, UK authorities are bracing for the absolute worst.]() *\Image: Getty Images/Futurism\* ## Stay Ready The UK is in for a brutal winter this year. *The Guardian* [reports that]() the *BBC* has already secretly prepared scripts to read on air in the event of energy shortages causing blackouts or empty gas reserves — a telling sign that between the war in Ukraine, growing energy uncertainty, and a fast-approaching winter, UK authorities are bracing for the absolute worst. One script, according to *The Guardian*, was written to reassure the public in the case of a blackout taking down internet access, online banking services, and even mobile phone networks throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Another warned that blackouts could last for days, throwing hospitals and police departments into chaos. "The emergency services are under extreme pressure," urged one *BBC* script. "People are being advised not to contact them unless absolutely necessary." "The government has said it's hoped power will be restored in the next 36 to 48 hours," read another. "Different parts of Britain will start to receive intermittent supplies before then." ## Energy Uncertainty The scripts are reportedly quite detailed, outlining national, regional, and localized emergency responses throughout the UK. And though the broadcaster apparently declined to comment on the leaked material, *The Guardian* reports that the creation of in-case-of-emergency scripts is standard *BBC* protocol. Regardless, the fact that these scripts exist at all feels foreboding, given that a European energy catastrophe is a [very real threat]() right now. Global sanctions imposed on Russia have put [serious strain on gas prices and supplies](), [tanking markets]() and contributing to inflation worldwide. Besides, the global economy isn't doing all that great, either, while a worsening climate crisis looms in the background. Despite all of this, UK authorities are [urging folks not to worry](). "The government," a spokesperson told the paper in a statement, "is confident that this is not a scenario we will face this winter." **READ MORE:** *[BBC prepares secret scripts for possible use in winter blackouts]()* \[*The Guardian*\] **More on the UK and climate:** *[Experts Say Leaking Russian Pipeline Likely Huge Environmental Disaster]()* ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()