The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has issued an Electricity Margin Notice to power station owners, asking them to prepare for a potential surge in demand as the UK swelters under a rare red weather warning for extreme heat. The alert, issued on Tuesday, is a precautionary measure to ensure supply can meet demand, particularly during peak evening hours.
Red warning in effect
A red warning for extreme heat came into force in parts of England and Wales and will last until 9pm on Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to reach 37C or 38C in southern England, with a maximum of 39C possible. The soaring temperatures have driven many people to purchase or use electric fans and air conditioning units, both at home and in workplaces, causing a spike in electricity consumption.
Overnight demand adds pressure
The situation is compounded by tropical-like overnight temperatures, which have made it difficult for many to sleep, even with fans or air conditioning running. This has extended the period of high electricity demand. NESO’s Electricity Margin Notice asks power station operators and other generators to make additional capacity available if needed, to prevent the risk of power cuts.
A NESO spokesperson said: “Our forecasts are showing tight margins on the electricity system for tomorrow evening. This is due to the impact of extremely high temperatures affecting Great Britain and the continent and low wind. An Electricity Margin Notice (EMN) has been issued to the market. This is a routine tool, and means we are asking market participants to make any additional generation capacity they may have available. The EMN does not mean electricity supply is at risk.”
Wider impacts of heatwave
The heatwave has triggered a rare red health warning, led to school closures, and caused train delays and cancellations. Dozens of primary schools in Bristol, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire have either cut their hours or closed entirely due to unbearable classroom temperatures.
The alert is made more pressing by high temperatures across other parts of Europe, which limit the UK’s ability to import electricity, and by low wind speeds that reduce output from wind farms. NESO previously issued a similar Electricity Margin Notice in early January, but that time due to cold weather and increased heating demand.
