National Grid has noticed two of its reserve coal-fired power stations start up in Britain’s efforts to avoid blackouts.
As temperatures fall below zero and snow covers large swathes, the network is experiencing a surge in demand. The UK’s power prices reached an all-time high due to the rising demand.
According to the National Grid Electricity System Operator, the emergency plan “should give confidence in Monday’s electricity supply” since millions of people are expected to work remotely and heat their homes.
This notice does not imply that the coal-fired power plants will no longer be used, but it does indicate that they will still be available to produce energy if the Grid requires them.
On Sunday night, snow fell in London and the southeast of England. Forecasters predicted that up to six inches would fall in some parts of Essex.
Travel disruptions are expected during Monday morning rush hour. Six yellow warnings for ice, fog, and snow are in place across most of the UK.
According to National Grid data, power consumption will peak at nearly 46,700 megawatts on Monday at 5 pm, an increase from Sunday’s peak of just under 43,000.
The Grid will run another test of its so-called demand flexibility services tonight between 5 pm-7 pm.
Only 2.7% of the energy produced in Britain currently comes from wind.
Although the renewable energy source has been producing 28.5% over the past year, that percentage plummeted over the weekend, prompting National Grid to heat up two Drax coal power stations.
