Drastic measures to avoid winter blackouts

The closure of two of Belgium’s seven nuclear power plants has led to discussions of a possible electricity shortage this winter. To prevent blackouts, grid operator Elia and federal energy minister Melchior Wathelet have a strict winter plan ready, according to newspapers Het Laatste Nieuws, De Morgen and De Tijd. The first measure of the three-step plan would call on people to consume less between the hours of 18.00 and 20.00, especially for things like the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, clothes iron and oven. If that is not enough, the government could impose a temporary ban on electricity consumption for certain purposes, such as laundry or ironing, although it is not clear how this would be enforced. In the worst-case scenario, Elia could completely cut off electricity to houses in more rural areas for an hour or two.