Britain's Grid Operator Can Now Order Rolling Blackouts Without Ministerial Approval

Neso, Great Britain's grid operator, can now order rolling three-hour blackouts cutting electricity use by over a fifth, with eight hours' notice and no 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.