Failure of electricity supply
Electricity supply problems can take various different forms. A power cut, for example, may temporarily interrupt all or part of the power supply to households, businesses or important systems. In more serious cases, we refer to an electricity crisis. That means that there is, or is likely to be, a significant shortage of electricity. Such a situation can lead to drops in voltage or blackouts.
Risks and causes
Consequences
What can you do?
BEFORE
- Avoid wasting energy. This also reduces the risk of power shortages.
-Turn off lights and unnecessary appliances.
-Lower the thermostat.
-Use appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers preferably after 10 pm.
- Are there any planned works or electricity shortages that mean the brown-out plan has to be activated? In this case, you will sometimes be informed in advance that the electricity will be cut for a certain period of time. Apply the following tips:
-Make sure your GSM battery is sufficiently charged. If necessary, bring a fully charged portable charger.
-Make sure you have food that can be eaten cold, and hot water.
-Keep your freezer closed. Your food will not defrost if the electricity cut lasts 3 to 4 hours. You can add a bag of ice cubes to the freezer to make sure. If the ice has not thawed, then your food is not spoiled.
DURING
- Unplug sensitive electrical equipment to prevent damage from power surges when restarting.
- Follow the recommendations of the authorities.
- Ideally use a flashlight rather than candles.
- Do not open your fridge or freezer unnecessarily.
- Limit journeys made by car. Indeed, traffic lights may not be working properly.
AFTER
- Do not switch on multiple electrical appliances at the same time. Allow the system time to stabilise.
- Check that the food in your fridge and freezer is not spoiled. If in doubt, throw it away.
- To check, you can put a bag of ice in your freezer. If you see that the ice has melted and refrozen, it is very likely that your food has spoiled.
- If your freezer door is left closed, food can remain frozen for 24 hours, or even 36 hours, during a power cut, depending on the temperature. In this case, the food is safe to eat.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a extreme failure in the supply of electricity. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- A national power cut lasting at least a day.
- A black-start is necessary, and several critical sites on the power grid are damaged.
- Electricity imports from neighbouring countries are limited or impossible.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Very weak
Human impact
Moderate
Societal impact
Strong
Environmental impact
Very weak
Financial impact
Moderate
What do the authorities do?
The FPS Economy supervises the supply of electricity. The Capacity Remuneration Mechanism ("CRM") ensures security of electricity supply after the planned closure of nuclear power plants. This mechanism also supports the energy transition.
There are two procedures for managing electricity outages:
- A procedure in the event of an electricity shortage.
- A procedure in the event of a sudden incident.
In the event of an electricity outage, various measures can be taken to restore the balance between electricity supply and demand, for example by increasing generation capacity or requesting a reduction in energy consumption. The brown-out plan will only be activated if there are no other options.
Brown-out refers to the occasional interruption in the supply of electricity to certain users in certain areas of the country. This ensures that the network remains operational and avoids a general blackout, which would result in the entire or large parts of the high-voltage network in Belgium being without electricity. Find out more about the brown-out plan.