Markets
UK Steps Up Power Market Contingency Measures in Cold Snap
- Tight power margin is forecast during peak evening demand
- Energy system put to test as temperatures plunge in cold blast
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The UK grid issued a rare warning that power supply will be tight on Tuesday and asked coal plants to stand by as a snowy cold snap strains the system.
The grid’s market shortfall is 700 megawatts below its desired buffer, and it’s ready to call on a further 370 megawatts from its back-up coal units if needed, according to an update from National Grid Plc Tuesday afternoon. The shortfall is easing from when the alert was first issued Monday night, but shows more still needs to be done to keep power supplies stable.