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ROTA LOAD DISCONNECTION - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Put simply, these are planned, rolling power cuts. They would be put in place in the event the energy market isn’t able to generate adequate supplies for typical usage. If this happens, UK Government ministers can authorise energy restrictions and the use of Rota Load Disconnections. These are aimed at reducing the amount of energy used, to be in line with the amount being generated.
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HOW DO THEY WORK?
All users of electricity are divided into groups called ‘blocks’; a customer's block is decided by their postcode and position on the local network (Banchory is Block L). These blocks are then switched off in turn, on a ‘rota’, for a period of three hours. If the level of electricity shortfall increases, more blocks are switched off, resulting in interruption to a larger number of customers. There are 18 levels. In Banchory, Level 1 would mean loss of power for 3 hours on a Thursday (12.30am until 3.30am), Saturday (3.30pm until 6.30pm) and Sunday (09.30am until 12.30pm). Each level, has more power outages. See Electricity Supply Emergency Code document for rota details of all the levels. Once introduced Rota Load Disconnections will continue for the full duration of the shortfall in electricity generation.
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HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN POWER CUTS ARE COMING?
Information around power cuts can be found at www.powercut105.com. You can also use this website to find out your ‘block’ letter.
If Rota Load Disconnections are needed, it is expected there will be advance notice of this. However, we seldom get advance notice of other power cuts, especially if they are a result of severe weather. It makes good sense to think about the problems either type of power cut could cause you, now.
These will vary from person to person, however, some of the common risks may include:
• Loss of power for home medical devices
• Loss of heating
• Loss of lighting
• Loss of water
• Loss of cooking facilities
• Loss of communications
• Loss of street lighting and traffic lights
These things won’t just affect you, but your wider community/people living in the same ‘block’ as you during Rota Load Disconnections.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Find out your ‘block letter’ and keep informed of the current situation so you know if/when the rota disconnections are scheduled.
- If you or your family need additional help and support during a power outage, e.g., you require power to run medical devices at home, you can sign up for the SSEN Priority Services Register by clicking here or by calling 0800 294 3259.
- If you do have medical devices at home, ensure you have back up power supplies, charged and ready for use.
- Put together a “grab bag” with items which may be required during a power outage, such as a wind-up torch, wind up radio, blankets, candles, matches, portable power bank, etc.)
- Consider actions to take when/if a rota disconnection is scheduled, such as filling flasks with hot water, preparing some hot food (e.g., hot soup in a flask), charging your mobile phone, put on warm clothing, etc.
- Think about your safety if you need to go out; streetlights or traffic lights may not be working.
- Consider how you can help and support your family, friends and neighbours.
- Ensure you have contact numbers for those you may need to contact in an emergency.
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HOW WILL THESE POWER OUTAGES AFFECT THE PRACTICE?
Foresterhill Health Campus is the only NHS site in Grampian which will not be affected by Rota Load Disconnections.
If the power outages occur during the practice opening times, we will be very restricted in the services we can offer. We will only be able to take emergency calls (our normal phones lines will go down), we will not be able to access your medical records and any mains-powered diagnostic equipment will not function. It is therefore essential that you are aware of when the power outages are planned in Banchory and you have make all the necessary provisions to remain safe and well during that time.