Britain's Power Grid Operator Can Now Cut Electricity in Rotating Blocks Without Government Say-So

Britain's electricity grid operator, Neso, can now order rolling three-hour power cuts — reducing electricity use by over a fifth — with eight hours' notice and no government approval. Regulators 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 plants are exempt. Full power restoration could take five to seven days.