Millions of households and businesses across Great Britain may now be subject to emergency power cuts at short notice under new regulatory changes. The National Electricity System Operator (NESO) has been granted the authority to implement rotating blackouts to maintain grid stability when energy supplies are insufficient.

Previously, such large-scale interventions required specific emergency government powers. Under the new framework, the operator can bypass this step to act more quickly during supply crises. The policy is designed to prevent a total collapse of the electricity system by shedding load in specific areas when demand threatens to exceed available capacity. While the operator has not specified exactly how many homes might be affected, the scope of the new rules covers a significant portion of the national grid. The move is framed by officials as a necessary measure to ensure the long-term reliability of the power network, though it marks a notable shift in the speed and ease with which the public can be disconnected from the energy supply.