As the National Grid struggles to maintain its energy reserves, we are now warned of possible power shut downs during the winter evenings. Obviously we all need to be reducing the energy we use as individuals and in our businesses, but we do also need to be prepared for some powerless evenings this winter. So what can we do? Firstly, we need to make sure that our elderly and disabled family, friends and neighbours are protected as much as possible. Do they have the facilities they need to make them as comfortable as possible: extra blankets, hot water bottles, candles, torches? Perhaps we can all make an effort to call in to our neighbours and make sure they are alright.
And what can we do ourselves when faced with an evening without electricity. Hopefully enjoy it! It will be hardest for those of us who are dependent on electricity for our heating. How welcoming the thought of an open fire or, better still, an environmentally friendly log-burning stove. Perhaps now is the time for a conversion?
But we can add extra layers of clothes and blankets; we can light beautifully perfumed candles; we can talk and play games instead of watching the tv or playing computer games. Most importantly, as more and more people begin to realise that none of us are exempt from the effects of climate change and our excessive demands on power supplies, we can start to make real plans as to how we are going to provide a sustainable future for our children and for generations to come. Maybe it will be a hard lesson, but one we can use to our benefit in many ways.