Two coal plants have been put on standby in Britain in preparation for an increase in the energy demand as the UK cranks up the heating to stay warm.
National Grid ESO said it had asked Drax, which owns Britain's biggest power station, to prepare two coal-fired units. The company will also continue testing its blackout prevention scheme, which offers discounts on bills for households who cut peak-time electricity use on Monday evening.
The ESO (electricity system operator) said the move means the coal-fired stations can be used as “tools for additional contingency” as needed to allow the network to run as usual, and stressed that people “should continue to use energy as normal”.
The announcement comes as the UK faces freezing temperatures and snow in many areas – ramping up demand for power at a time when supplies are tight.
As a consequence, Monday 12 December is set to create the highest electricity demand this year, whilst the lack of wind has...