Britain's electricity grid operator has issued another rare summer plea for more power generation as the country endures its third heatwave of the year. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) said it was forecasting a tight period for electricity margins on Thursday evening due to extreme temperatures across Europe.
Third Margin Notice of the Year
This marks the third so-called electricity margin notice from Neso this year. Such notices are typically sent during cold winter spells when heating demand spikes, but extreme heat also strains the system by reducing efficiency at nuclear plants, gas stations, and water cooling systems, while increasing demand for fans and air conditioning.
The notice signals to the electricity market that the operator desires a larger safety cushion between power demand and supply for a limited period, allowing production to increase if needed. Neso emphasized that the notice does not indicate imminent blackouts or insufficient generation to meet demand.
Timing and Temperatures
The margin notice is in effect from 6.30pm to 10.30pm on Thursday. A Neso spokesman said on Wednesday evening: 'Our forecasts indicate tight electricity margins during tomorrow evening’s peak period. This is due to extreme temperatures across Europe, reducing the availability of some generation.'
Similar callouts were issued twice in June but were cancelled ahead of time, reflecting confidence in supply levels. Health and fire warnings have been issued this week as temperatures soar. The Met Office reported that the heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures 'widely exceeding 30C' across the UK and some areas in England potentially reaching 36C.
Impact on the Grid and Public
The extreme heat places additional pressure on the electricity system, making processes less efficient and driving up demand for cooling. Neso stated it would continue to monitor conditions closely and take necessary actions to maintain secure electricity supplies. The public is advised to stay cool and hydrated as the heatwave persists.
