National Grid ESO - preparing for blackout during coronavirus- Man in mask by window in self isolation.jpg

Keeping the lights on throughout coronavirus

As the world tackles coronavirus, we're working hard to make sure the lights stay on.

Find out how we're protecting our staff and why no one should be concerned about their electricity supply as more of us stay at home.

Keeping electricity flowing throughout the coronavirus outbreak

Millions of people rely on us every day to keep the lights on and since the coronavirus outbreak began we have been working hard to protect our colleagues and continue to deliver safe, secure and reliable electricity.

We have well-developed procedures in place to manage the effects of a pandemic and no one should be concerned about their electricity supply as more of us stay at home.

Please continue to use electricity as you usually would …boil that kettle, tune in to your favourite TV show … there are teams of people working 24/7 at National Grid ESO, committed to making sure you can do just that.

Keeping the lights on

Winter Outlook 2020/21

Lockdown insights

What trends are we seeing in electricity in Great Britain?

National Grid ESO - is our electricity greener during coronavirus lockdown - mother in garden with child

ESO : Electricity explained

Is our electricity greener in lockdown?

Most people would assume that if there is less demand for electricity, more of the country can be powered by renewable electricity, and whilst this can be the case, it isn’t always.

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National Grid ESO - Battersea power station

ESO : Balancing the grid

Is it easier to deal with too much or too little demand?

Peaks, troughs and fluctuations in demand are something we’re used to dealing with and one of the many situations we plan for to keep the system operating smoothly, but which scenario is easier to deal with?

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National Grid ESO - Power cuts explained - regional black out

ESO : Balancing the grid

What does lockdown mean for electricity in Great Britain?

Our control room experts explain the effect that reduced demand for electricity is having on Great Britain's network, and why expert operation of the system is needed whatever the level of demand.

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