The Big Power Switch Off: What is it, and when is the next one?

Millions up and down the country are facing the pressures of the rising cost of living, with energy bills growing significantly.

Britons showed their disquiet with a major power switch off last week, plunging their homes into darkness in protest against the rising costs.

There is a suggestion the Big Power Switch Off could become a weekly event as the energy prices continue to affect struggling households.

Here is everything you need to know about the Big Power Switch Off, and when it will next take place:

Thousands of homes across the UK switched off their electricity in protest against spiralling energy costs.

The nationwide protest aims to call on the government to do more to tackle energy costs by turning off all power in your home for 10 minutes.

The purpose of the Switch Off is to target the revenue of major energy companies and affect the National Grid by encouraging people to power down their homes at the same time, all over the country.

Organisers of the campaign said: “The idea is that, if it won’t put you at risk, you switch off all of your electrical appliances, lights, or switch off at the breakers for 10 minutes.”

It aims to bring attention to spiralling energy costs. Ofgem announced earlier this year the energy price cap would go up by £693 a year on average.

Homes across the country powered down for the first time on Sunday April 10 at 10pm for 10 minutes.

The next mass-blackout is scheduled for 7pm on Saturday April 16.

This date will coincide with parliament returning from recess the following week.

Author Karen Brady advocated for the switch off, tweeting: “Next #BigPowerOff2 will be earlier at 7pm Saturday 16th April, just before Parliament arrives back from their holidays.

“RT & share on all social media platforms. Thanks to EVERYONE involved. Solidarity in numbers. Enough is enough!