UK Times says up to 6m households facing blackouts – coal power asked to remain open

UK newspaper The Times (gated)

• The Times has been told that the government’s “reasonable”
  worst-case scenario, which has been drawn up by officials from across
  Whitehall, says that there could be widespread gas shortages if
  Russia goes further in cutting off supplies to the EU.
• A minister said the
  briefing suggested that electricity could have to be rationed for up
  to six million homes at the start of next year, mostly at peaks in
  the morning and evening. The curbs could last more than a month,
  causing energy prices to rise again and leaving GDP lower than
  forecast for years to come.