THE National Grid is firing up its emergency coal stations as temperatures drop.
People have been warned National Grid is warming its emergency coal stations in case they’re needed today.
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The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has considered using the coal plants previously but they have been stepped down.
It has said: “This notification is not confirmation that the unit will be used on Tuesday, but that it will be available to the ESO, if required.
“The ESO as a prudent system operator has developed these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal.
“This does not mean electricity supplies are at risk.”
It comes as temperatures are set to drop across the UK, putting a strain on energy supplies.
When this happens it means there is more demand on the network and emergency measures are put in place.
Tonight (Tuesday) could be the coldest of the year so far, the Met Office has announced, as it issued weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK.
The National Grid has confirmed that four of its five winter coal units will be warmed today in preparation.
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This is the fourth time this winter so far that the National Grid has issued this notification.
It previously said would be deployed only as a “last resort” to prevent blackouts.
The move comes after fears were raised blackouts could hit parts of the UK over the colder months.
