Great Britain's Grid Operator Gains Power to Order Rolling Blackouts Without Government Approval

Great Britain's grid operator Neso can now order rolling three-hour blackouts cutting electricity use by more than a fifth with eight hours' notice — and without ministerial approval. Ofgem approved the rules in July 2026; they took effect the week of August 10. Neso calls them a "last-resort contingency measure." Hospitals and water treatment works are exempt. Full grid restoration could take five to seven days.