Winter energy crisis: ECA advice for managing power cuts
Leading electrotechnical and engineering services body ECA has promised to support its Members who may be asked to design and install emergency power systems in the event of emergency power cuts this winter.
Energy providers and National Grid have warned of potential power cuts caused by supply fears following the war in Ukraine. Worst-case government scenarios estimate that energy systems could be severely disrupted for up to a week.
ECA Senior Technical Manager Gary Parker said:
“Because of an unprecedented combination of factors including surging demand, supply concerns, and a cost-of-living crisis, our Members and their clients are facing a tough winter.
“ECA has seen an uptick in Members asking for advice and help reviewing their clients’ systems and recovery plans. We are here to support Members with advice and guidance on how to best design and install additional and stand-by systems that can meet their clients’ needs.
“It is important to remember that the UK’s electricity network is one of the most reliable in the world. However, we must be prepared for all eventualities, and the electrotechnical sector will be on the front line if emergency power cuts do occur.”
Those deemed most at risk for the effects of power cuts over the winter include pensioners, care home residents, and people in sheltered housing, schools, and other buildings which may not have energy contingency plans in place.
Electrical designers and installers are encouraged to visit ECA’s Technical website, where Members can access a wide range of technical guidance notes, bulletins, and the ECA Technical helpline, at eca.co.uk/technical.
This article was issued as a press release and appears on the ECA Today website as "Winter energy crisis: ECA’s advice for managing power cuts" on December 8, 2022
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.