UK power cut warning prompts fear for people using life-saving machines

Energy companies urged to prioritise at-risk consumers, including those on dialysis, as National Grid warns of rolling blackouts

Rolling power cuts enforced this winter if gas supplies run extremely low could endanger thousands of people who use life-saving machines at home, health leaders have warned.

They spoke out after National Grid warned on Thursday that households could experience a series of three-hour electricity outages this winter to manage extreme gas shortages, for example if Vladimir Putin shuts off supplies from Russia and cold weather sends demand soaring.