Britain's grid operator has taken emergency measures to secure extra electricity from power plants as a heatwave grips the country, driving up demand for cooling. The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) confirmed on Wednesday that it had instructed several power stations to remain online or return to service to bolster supply.
Emergency Measures Activated
The ESO activated its 'supply margin' mechanism, which involves contracting additional generation capacity to ensure the grid can meet peak demand. This is the first time such measures have been used this summer, as temperatures in parts of England are expected to exceed 35°C (95°F) over the next two days.
A spokesperson for the ESO said: "We have taken steps to secure additional electricity generation to ensure we have enough capacity to meet demand during this period of hot weather. Our priority is to maintain a secure and reliable electricity supply for all consumers."
Impact on Energy Market
The move comes amid concerns that the heatwave could strain the grid, particularly during peak afternoon hours when air conditioning use surges. The ESO has also issued a 'capacity market notice', signaling to the market that additional generation may be needed. Industry analysts estimate that the extra capacity could cost millions of pounds, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher electricity bills.
According to data from the ESO, peak electricity demand could reach 35 gigawatts (GW) on Thursday, compared with an average summer peak of around 30 GW. The additional capacity secured includes gas-fired power plants and a small number of coal-fired units that were due to be decommissioned.
Broader Context of Energy Security
The heatwave highlights ongoing concerns about Britain's energy security, particularly as the country transitions to renewable energy sources. Critics argue that the grid is not yet resilient enough to handle extreme weather events without resorting to fossil fuel backup. Environmental groups have called for faster deployment of battery storage and demand-side response technologies to reduce reliance on polluting plants.
"This is a wake-up call for the government to accelerate investment in energy storage and grid flexibility," said a spokesperson for the climate think tank E3G. "We cannot keep relying on fossil fuel plants to bail us out during heatwaves."
The ESO has assured that the measures are temporary and that the grid remains stable. However, it has advised consumers to use electricity wisely during peak hours to help reduce strain on the system.
