The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has warned that millions could be facing blackouts on Wednesday as there is a large strain on the energy supply.
NESO who oversees the UK’s power and are independent play a role fir electricity and gas, they said that due to plummeting temperatures there needs to be more electricity generation on Wednesday evening.
The energy operator is expecting a shortfall of 1700 megawatts and companies are being urged to place more capacity to provide more availability of electricity for their customers.
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.”
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 the UK is facing its coldest night of the winter so far as temperatures are set to plummet to as low as -15C.
The Met Office has said as the week continue more weather warnings will be in place for snow and ice in parts of England, the North, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Almond said, “Thursday will see another cold night, with potentially the lowest temperatures of the Winter so far, -15C or so is possible in locations with lying snow in Scotland or northern England.
“In the early hours of Friday, a front arriving from the west will encounter the cold air in place over the UK. This could bring further sleet or snowfall for some regions in the south and west, as well as a risk of ice for a time as it moves north-eastwards into central parts, but the extent of this is still uncertain.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, “We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Leave a Comment