Millions of Brits could face power outage tonight before coldest night of winter
Share:
Millions across the UK could face blackouts this evening, with temperatures set to plummet across the country. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has called for more electricity generation tonight. A spokesperson for NESO said: "Our forecasts are showing tight margins on the electricity system for Wednesday evening between 4-7pm.
"This is a routine tool that we use most winters, and means we are asking market participants to make any additional generation capacity they may have available.". The operator has said the system was expected to have a shortfall of 1700 megawatts (MW). They have urged power companies to add more capacity to provide a greater safety net of available supply. However, there is no suggestion at present that the blackouts or power cuts are “imminent”, the statement says.
Energy trader Paul Salvin told the Express: “With limited availability for NESO to trade across the interconnectors with them already importing to the UK to their maximum, it is the highest chance in years of blackouts with such tight margins. Cold weather, no wind, the perfect winter storm.”.
This comes as Thursday night could be the coldest so far this winter. Parts of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are all currently subject to snow and ice warnings, and the Met Office has said further warnings are likely to be issued as the week goes on.
