Perhaps surprisingly, large grid systems are not well understood.
They are much too big and expensive to build a spare one for experiments. Only small and low risk tests and experiments can be performed on a working grid system.

Computer modelling is of limited use in view of the many variables, many of which change in unknown or unpredictable ways.

In recent years several factors have "conspired" to increase instability.
1) The increased use of switched mode power supplies. These draw roughly constant watts over a wide range of voltages, and can draw unexpectedly large currents during a supply voltage dip, this tends to increase the degree of voltage drop and may result in what would otherwise have been a brief voltage dip, now becoming a "fail to recover" event.
Note that variable speed motor drives and electronic lighting ballasts are all sub-species of switched mode power supplies.

2) Increased amounts of generation connected via static inverters rather than consisting of traditional rotating alternators.
Such sources CANNOT supply extra energy in a low voltage or low frequency emergency.

3)Increased geographical areas supplied by a common grid system. This tends to promote instability.

I expect more such outages.

In years gone by, there was a regular shipping service between Minehead and South Wales, this conveyed coal to the Minehead gas works, and bagged coal for household use.
Gas production ceased decades ago, but the gas holders remained until recent years. Almost no trace remains today, but the location is still known as "gas works beach" by anglers. It was on the edge of town, past the lifeboat station.

Seagoing sailing barges were used, and later small steamers. Passengers and livestock were carried in return for a suitable gratuity. The vessels used were not licensed to carry passengers.

I presume that no one foresaw any need to prohibit the practice. Back in the days when a driving test was available promptly on payment of the fee, nothing was gained by bulk buying and then reselling test slots.
These days there is a clear financial incentive.

I have long held the view that ALL new electric trains should be equipped with either a diesel engine or a battery able to move the train at a much reduced performance for a reasonable distance.
In stating this, I was thinking primarily of UK^▸ (United Kingdom) conditions, but it looks as though it would be prudent overseas also.

At least affected passengers were allowed off the trains, in contrast to the UK policy of "keep them on the trains no matter what."

On a more general note, there appears to have been a regrettable lack of both battery emergency lighting and standby generation in public buildings.

Young sir, you are again prone to a little exaggeration, the odd fillet steak or even Beef Wellington, perhaps followed by a glass of port, is hardly a rock n roll lifestyle !

This is very sad, but I feel that the deceased was largely to blame for this accident.
 Learning points include, do not get stupidly drunk.
After moderate drinking be especially careful near trains and near roads.
There seems little that London transport could have done to prevent this accident, perhaps exclude those who are very drunk from underground stations !

I have been known to drink too much, but never to the point of placing myself or others in significant danger.

Have just observed that short HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) is stabled near Minehead station, adjacent to the Seaward lane level crossing.
Is just being stored ? or is the intention to use it.

Yes, but my point was not in reference to the quality of arc furnace steel, but referred to the problems in supplying enough electricity at an affordable price and without interfering with the supply to other customers.

Electric arc furnaces are very useful for recycling of scrap steel, but are not used for production of new material from iron ore.
They also consume a great amount of electricity, and there are already concerns as to the adequacy of UK^▸ (United Kingdom) electricity supplies.
UK electricity is very expensive, and is arguably overpriced, this wont encourage widespread use.

Arc furnaces are also a very "disturbing" load and often require expensive grid upgrades so as to minimise adverse effects on existing customers.

Was not aware of that, thanks for the update.

Doubts have been raised as to the availability of suitable and sufficient coke to run the blast furnaces.
Whilst HMG have guaranteed payment for the fuel, that does not ensure physical availability.
I doubt that coke already in transit in russian or chinese ships will be available, expect mechanical breakdowns, delays, diversion to other ports or non compliant paperwork.
Air freight might even have to be used.

Parliament have been recalled and are sitting on a SATURDAY, which is exceptional.
It looks as though the steel works are being nationalised. Very unusually, the emergency legislation includes provision for government representatives to enter the plant by force if need be.

I doubt that all stations will EVER be fully accessible.
As soon as there is any risk of the target being met, then "fully accessible"  will be re-defined so as to require furthur work.

Disability access is a huge industry, that wont accept being closed down once the target has been met. Therefore an ever moving target will be needed.

Each time that a lock is used, water runs down hill, and a continual supply of new water is therefore needed to the upper reaches of the canal.
Could some of this water not be re-used ? It should be relatively simple to install a pipeline along the canal so as to pump some water from the bottom of the canal to the pound or reservoir at the top. There is no need to return ALL the water to the top, just enough to avoid shortages.
Either use off peak grid power for this pumping, and pump only in the off peak hours at a much reduced cost, or alternatively power the pumps from an array of PV modules installed for the purpose, and pump only during hours of sunlight.

More air travel ! That will help with the climate emergency.