Scheduled blackouts may be taking place early next year due to gas shortages - what Manchester residents think

The National Grid chief has warned households to prepare for potential blackouts between four and seven pm on very cold weekdays in the new year if gas imports are reduced. Due to Russia's war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian gas imports, many European countries are now facing energy shortages.

Britain gets 40 percent of its electricity from gas-fired power stations and gas heats most homes. In the unlikely event supplies can't keep up with demand, Britain's electricity and gas systems operator has told the country that the deepest, darkest evenings in January and February may have scheduled blackouts.

But it's not a certainty - measures have been put in place to avoid these blackouts, including placing coal-fired power stations on standby and creating a demand flexibility service, where customers can be rewarded for not using power during times of peak demand.

We spoke to local people in Manchester to find out their thoughts on the potential for blackouts in the coming year.