Improvisation is the order of the day, which is as true in Whitehall as in the myriad companies that have had to adjust to very different working patterns over the past fortnight.
Not since the darkest days of the Second World War has the British state had to work on the hoof as much as it is now.
One insider, who has been in constant touch with Number 10 throughout the crisis, notes how ministers are having to make several decisions a day that in ordinary circumstances would be weighed up over weeks.
The energy sector has so far been less affected by the turmoil than many others, like hospitality and non-food retail, which have seen their revenue streams dry up virtually overnight.
However, in an environment where the bulk of the population is losing a large chunk of its income, utilities will inevitably come under pressure to offer leeway to cash-strapped utility customers, who may wonder why they cannot secure the same kind of payment holidays being offered by their mortgage lender. The issue is being forced onto the utilities’ agendas anyway by the number of customers who have cancelled their direct debits.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell urged the government last week to offer temporary relief from utility bills for self-employed workers, who will have to wait until June to receive the support package announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Utilities may require some fancy footwork to ensure they keep on the right side of public opinion in coming weeks.