Preparing for power cuts and energy saving actions

The electricity may break during this winter

Short regional power cuts can be expected during the winter due to a possible nationwide power shortages. An electricity shortage occurs when electricity production and imports are not enough to cover electricity consumption. In such cases, it is necessary to restrict consumption to stop the power system from crashing altogether.

Electricity may break especially on cold, windless days in the morning between 8 and 10 a.m. and in the early evening between 4 and 8 p.m. Cuts last approximately a couple of hours at a time.

Information regarding local power cuts does not necessarily reach all residents, so it is recommended to prepare for cuts in advance.

How to prepare for the power cuts?

In the household water supply, electricity is needed for many different functions, such as the delivery of clean water or the transfer of waste water. Therefore, during a power cut it is very important to try to avoid unnecessary water consumption. Hot water may not be available and the water pressure may drop significantly. During the cut, water consumption, i.e. use of kitchen and bathroom taps and showers, should be avoided. Due to the cut, the water temperature regulation does not work, which can cause the water to be dangerously hot. The toilet should only be flushed if it is mandatory.

Cooking becomes temporarily difficult when the oven, stove and microwave do not work during the cut. Lights and electrical equipment should be turned off when the cut starts.

During power cuts, home lighting, heating and ventilation are paused. Because of this, the apartment’s indoor air quality may feel stuffy for a while.

The computer, radio and television are also out of use. Mobile phones should generally work.

It is recommended to stay at home during a power cut. Warm clothing, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and batteries, as well as well-preserved food and few bottles of water should be found at home. Phone and backup power source should be kept charged.

Neighbors should be helped as much as possible during the cut and additional help should be called if necessary. In addition, it is important to make sure that no one needing help is stuck in the elevator and that no one has been left outside to freeze.

Tips for saving energy

Kuopion Opiskelija-asunnot Oy encourages tenants to participate in energy saving. By reducing electricity consumption, it is possible to avoid, or at least minimize, the power cuts during this winter.

Here are few tips for saving energy:

  • Turn off all devices you are not using and disconnect chargers from the socket after charging.
  • Get used to shorter and cooler showers.
  • Do the dishes by using a plug in the sink. Washing dishes under running water consumes warm water unnecessarily.
  • Make sure that there are no furniture or curtains in front of the radiators preventing the circulation of warm air. Thermostat regulates the temperature to be even, which is why the radiator may sometimes feel cold even if it is working.
  • Wash less frequently and more clothes at once.
  • Report a leaking toilet or faucet by making a fault report here.
  • Keep your electricity use to a minimum from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.

Additional information

Best way to receive information of the shortages is to follow national news channels. However, below are few websites where you can get more information:

  • Kuopion Energia page of electricity shortage, with comprehensive information in case of power cuts.
  • Fingrid page regarding the overall electricity shortage situation and implementation.
  • Down a Degree campaign’s website. Down a Degree is a nation-wide energy saving campaign which provides tips to save energy.

You can read Kuopas’ newsletter regarding the subject here.

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