When it comes to power generation in the UK, it can be unreliable at the best of times when trying to maintain your home or business – yet, power outages are just inevitable with the weather in the UK, year-round.
However, we have been getting a similar query lately due to the volatility of the electricity and power supply around the country – which is whether or not you can disconnect from the electricity grid in the UK.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know if you’re looking at potentially getting a new power source installed, whether this is possible, and how much it would cost if you were to disconnect from the Great Britain electricity grid. Let’s explore…
What is the Electricity Grid UK?
The electricity grid in the UK, managed by the National Grid, is a huge network that consists of power stations, a transmission network, and control rooms. This system is responsible for providing electricity and gas from a variety of sources to households and businesses across the nation.
The electricity grid’s main goal is to balance the supply and demand for electricity in real-time. When you switch on a light or power up your kitchen appliances, for example, the electricity you use is taken from a wide range of sources, including nuclear power stations, natural gas, wind farms, and solar installations.
Due to the fact that there are so many different types of power supplies, you will always receive a reliable supply of electricity when using them in your business or household—for everything that is electrically powered, that is.
Can I Disconnect From the Electricity Grid UK?
Disconnecting from the electricity grid in the UK is technically possible but comes with difficult challenges along the way. This electricity grid is a system used all over the UK, making it challenging for you to disconnect without either changing business infrastructure or asking and having queries/calls with the National Grid themselves.
Additionally, renewable energy sources like wind power, solar power, etc. can change in an instant, requiring you to pay more for energy storage solutions to maintain a consistent power supply.
Although it would need a reliable backup power source, such as a generator, this could be an excellent investment to make when making sure your electricity supply is secure during grid outages.
While it’s technically possible to disconnect, it’s not always a practical or cost-effective option for most consumers. Yet, if you and your business opt for generators, this will be a much more reliable option, making sure you have a continuous power supply without worrying about grid disconnection.
How Much Does It Cost to Disconnect From the Electricity Grid UK?
The cost of disconnecting from the electricity grid in the UK can vary widely, depending on several factors that you have within your business or home. However, the minimum you’re going to be charged is £1,323 in the UK. Let’s take a closer look at what is going to affect your prices:
- The Amount of Energy You Use: The amount of energy you demand plays an important role, and if you use lots of energy, you may face more substantial costs compared to others.
- Your Business or Home Location: The availability of renewable energy sources like wind or solar in your location will affect the installation costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: You will have to meet the safety and regulatory standards, which may require additional expenses.
Should You Disconnect From the Electricity Grid UK?
In regards to whether you should disconnect from the electricity grid in the UK, this is an important decision that should be looked at with careful consideration before any actions are taken. While it is technically possible, it may not always be the best choice for most individuals and businesses, unless you find a reliable generator supplier.
Choosing a generator as an alternative to disconnection from the grid offers several advantages. Generators provide a reliable and cost-effective backup power source, allowing the electricity generated to work just as well as the national grid. They are made to suit various energy needs, making them available for any application.
Unlike the national grid, which has a huge carbon intensity, one of the key advantages of generators is that they also offer environmental options, with models available that run on eco-friendly fuels, for example, diesel-powered generators.
For most business owners, it can either be their main power source or a more practical solution to meet their power needs while staying connected to the grid.
Why Should You Choose a Generator To Partner With or Instead of the Electricity Grid UK?
Choosing a generator over the electricity grid in the UK offers numerous advantages that make it a convincing choice for many individuals and businesses. Generators provide a trustworthy solution for your consistent power supply needs.
Firstly, generators are well-known for their reliability, and because they give you a continuous power source, this makes sure that your operations run smoothly, even during grid outages or failures.
They provide you and your business with a degree of energy independence without worrying about the costs of disconnecting from the grid. You can generate your electricity while remaining connected to the grid for backup, ensuring that you always have a power source.
Cost-effectiveness is another key factor when choosing a generator, as they are an economical choice if you were to completely disconnect, meaning you would make a quick return on investment. Each generator comes in a different size to match your energy needs, allowing you to tailor your generator choice to your specific requirements.
Bottom Line
Overall, whether you use a generator to partner with the national grid or use a generator on its own to have full energy independence, it will be a great electricity system that has your back when a power cut occurs in the rest of the UK.
If you’re a business owner looking for backup power or you want a standby generator to power all your supplies without the need for the national grid, Pleavin Power are your nationwide specialists.
We have received excellent feedback while travelling up and down the country helping homes and businesses with their power solutions. Get in touch with us today if this is something that you’re considering, and we’ll see if we can help you!
Jack is the owner of Pleavin Power which was founded in 2017. He has worked in the power industry for over a decade and has an extreme focus on providing a quality service to clients across the UK. This has led Pleavin Power to becoming the market leader in the Critical, Prime & Standby Power markets.
