National Grid emergency back-up plan triggered amid fears of snow affecting energy

12.12.2022 - 12:47 / dailyrecord.co.uk

The National Grid has triggered its emergency back-up plan due to the UK's severe weather this week.

The network has ordered two coal plants to begin powering up in case electricity supplies to the UK are disrupted due to the snow.

Plans were put in place in case energy suppliers couldn't keep up with the surging demand for electricity, resulting in blackouts.

As temperatures have plunged below freezing and snow blankets much of the country, the National Grid confirmed these plans have been triggered.

Two of National Grid's coal-fired power stations are ready to be fired up and produce energy if called on by the grid, the Mirror reports. Demand for electricity is expected to be high today, as many won't be able to travel to workplaces and instead choose to work from home.

The network's operator said the emergency plan "should give the public confidence in Monday's energy supply". These coal-fired units won't be used today, but will be ready to supply the grid if needed.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator said: "The ESO as a prudent system operator has these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal and the public should continue to use energy as normal."

Snow was a common sight for much of the UK this morning, as several inches fell overnight and temperatures plunged to as low as -10 degrees celsius.

A spokesperson for the National Grid said: "We've issued a notification to warm two winter contingency coal units. This measure should give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply."

The warning, they said, was just a contingency plan, and would only happen "if required".

Commuters have faced major travel delays and disruption on Monday morning as large parts of the UK were hit by ice, fog