Britain’s electricity grid operator has issued a system warning as soaring temperatures increase pressure on the country’s power network.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has issued an Electricity Margin Notice (EMN) for Friday evening, signalling that electricity supply margins are expected to be tight and urging generators to make any spare capacity available.
NESO said the warning reflects the impact of exceptionally high temperatures across the UK and mainland Europe, which have increased electricity demand and affected power generation across the region.
An Electricity Margin Notice is a routine market mechanism used to encourage additional generation to come online and does not mean power cuts are expected.
The move follows a similar warning on Wednesday, when NESO subsequently agreed to pay around £10 million to bring additional gas-fired power stations online before later withdrawing the notice.
Electricity demand typically rises sharply during hot weather as households and businesses switch on fans and air conditioning units, placing additional strain on the national grid during the evening peak.
