Energy regulator Ofgem has warned that the UK faces a ‘significant risk’ of gas shortages this winter.
According to reports in The Times, the regulator has unveiled concerns that the country could face blackouts over the coming months thanks to an undersupply of gas to Europe caused by Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Warning that a “gas supply emergency” could be looming ahead, the energy regulator has said that some gas-fired power plants could see their supplies cut off, which in turn would stop generators from producing electricity.
The alert comes just days before an expected update from the National Grid on the likelihood of countrywide power cuts this winter.
Responsing to arequest from SSE, which owns several gas power stations, Ofgem outlined what is set to be a huge issue of concern given that the UK relies on large gas plants to produce the biggest share of its electricity supply.
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The regulator also pointed to rules that could see power plants penalised as a result of shortages, warning of a worst-case scenario that would see the “potential insolvency of gas-fired generators” caused by rules that require plants to pay huge charges if they fail to deliver on promised quotas.
A letter from Ofgem has revealed the energy regulator is concerned about a "gas supply emergency" this year.
The letter said the war in Ukraine and gas shortages in Europe had led to a "significant risk that gas shortages could occur" this winter in the UK.
Adding that the issue must be addressed to prevent a “significant impact on the safety and security of the electricity and/or gas systems”, the regulator echoed concerns now widespread in Europe as its comments followed a similar statement made by the International Energy Agency (IEA) this morning.
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Europeans are already being told they must lower their thermostats and boilers in preparation in case gas supplies are cut off, with Paris-based agency IEA warning today that the EU must focus on getting underground gas reserve levels to 90% of capacity in case of a complete Russian supply shut-off.
Preparation are already being made in Europe with the German government having approved a set of energy-saving measures for the winter to limit use in public buildings. In France, meanwhile, companies have already been warned they may face energy rationing this winter.
Whilst the UK government is yet to announce any energey saving measures, Ofgem has said that it expect s“this winter to be more challenging than last year” and that it is taking “reasonable regulatory steps to mitigate and reduce the risks”.
However, there are concerns that if gas-fired power plants incur costs these could, in turn, lead to energy bills rising for consumers once again.
SSE estimated that it could be fined as much as £276 million for every day it is unable to generate power, rising to £475 million for its largest plants.
This risk, it said, will force generators to reduce their advance sales and could end up “raising costs for electricity consumers” in the long run.
Manchester house goes on sale with life-sized ‘sex doll’ in pictures
Georgina Pellant
A two bedroom house has gone up for sale in Manchester, and the appearance of a surprise guest in its listing pictures has got the city talking.
The mid-terrace family home in Blackley looks completely normal at first, priced at a modest £160,000.
Completely normal, that is, until you spot the stiletto-wearing life-sized sex doll in the corner of one of its rooms.
Wearing a fitted red dress with her legs akimbo and her hands in a strange clenched position with one at her mouth and another in her lap, the lifelike doll has been spotted by eagle-eyed property hunters on the lookout for a bargain.
Reclining on what appears to be either a chaise lounge or a put-up bed in a ‘rest area’ under the stairs, the lifelike mannequin appears to be wearing fishnet stockings underneath her skin-tight bodycon dress.
Image: Henstock Property Services
Image: Henstock Property Services
Accessorised with a wide-brimmed hat and teeteringly-high stilettos, the positioning of the doll in front of what looks like a bedroom has led some online to speculate as to whether she’ll be included in the house price.
Elsewhere, the property briefly comprises an entrance hallway, lounge, kitchen, two good-sized bedrooms, downstairs WC, shower room and modern conservatory.
It also boasts a decent-sized outdoor area with a paved terrace area overlooking a green park.
Hooch has just released a new tropical flavour for summer – and it’s blue
Georgina Pellant
Everyone’s favourite hard lemonade has just released a new tropical flavour for the summer – it’s blue.
Blue Hooch has dropped just in time for picnic and beer garden season, bursting onto the scene with fruity tropical flavours and a citrusy lime zing.
Following increasing demand for Hooch as we head into summer, the all-new Hooch flavour is inspired by beach parties, palm trees and warm island waters.
Described as a ‘tropical fiesta in a can’, this exotic and easy-going alcoholic tropicade also brings that signature Hooch citrus kick.
An evolution of Hoola Hooch, Blue Hooch enhances the fruity tropical flavours that fans have grown to love, whilst introducing that signature Hooch citrus kick for a truly sessionable bev.
The new flavour joins the original line-up of Hooch Lemon Brew, Pink Hooch, and Orange Hooch.
Available in 440ml cans at Tesco as part of the new Hooch 8 pack, you can get your hands on the new flavour alongside the OG line-up.
The mixed-pack is the ultimate party starter kit, tailor-made for carefree sessions, and backyard barbecues.
Charlie Leaver, Head of Brand at Global Brands said: “We’re thrilled to share the release of Blue Hooch ahead of summer. Introducing the leading flavour in traditional party-drinks, Blue, to our nostalgic, zingy line-up was just a matter of time, and has created what will certainly be a new Hooch fan favourite!
“The Hooch Mixed Packs are another exciting development, providing our all-new Orange Hooch and Blue Hooch cans, with Pink Hooch and Hooch Lemon. Featuring the full range of citrusy Hooch flavours, these are the perfect grab-and-go pack for barbecues and summer get-togethers.”
Blue Hooch taps into the huge blue drinks trend, which includes popular party starters like VK Blue, while keeping the tongue-tingling zesty flavours and nostalgia that Hooch fans know and love. At an easy drinking 4% ABV, it’s set to be the drink of the summer; perfect for sunny socials! Grab a mixed pack to share with your friends.
Hooch Mixed Packs are now available at Tesco for £15. You can also purchase a fridge pack of Blue Hooch (24 x 440ml) online from Good Time In for £39.50.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd October 2022 
