Guidance

Electricity Supply Emergency Code

An outline of the process for ensuring fair distribution of electricity rationing during a prolonged electricity shortage.

From:
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Published
1 January 2005
Last updated
6 November 2019 — See all updates

Documents

Electricity Supply Emergency Code (revised November 2019)

PDF, 1.56 MB, 36 pages

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Details

If a prolonged electricity shortage affects a specific region, or the whole country, electricity rationing may be necessary. The Electricity Supply Emergency Code (ESEC) outlines the process for ensuring fair distribution nationally while still protecting those who require special treatment, using a process known as ‘rota disconnections’.

November 2019 update

From 1 April 2019 there is a legal separation of powers between the National Grid Transmission Owner (TO) and National Grid Systems Operator (SO). This document has been updated to reflect the new role of the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

Published 1 January 2005
Last updated 6 November 2019 + show all updates

  1. From 1 April 2019 there is a legal separation of powers between the National Grid Transmission Owner (TO) and National Grid Systems Operator (SO). This document has been updated to reflect the new role of the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

  2. Updated with April 2018 revision of code.

  3. First published.

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