National Grid triggers emergency back-up power plan over fears icy weather could cause blackouts

THE National Grid has triggered its back-up power plan over fears energy supplies could run out.

As the country woke up to a blanket of snow, the company ordered two coal-fired units at Drax power plant in Yorkshire to be ready for potential usage today.

National Grid said the move “should give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply” adding that people "should continue to use energy as normal”.

It is the first time this winter the energy supplier has considered using the coal plants, which it previously said would be deployed only as a “last resort” to prevent blackouts.

However, the emergency plans triggered to fire up old coal plants are now confirmed not to be going ahead.

A National Grid spokesman said "We no longer need that back up and are more confident in our outlook about supplies."

The cold weather is set to see a surge in electricity demand to the highest level so far this winter over the teatime peak tonight.

The move comes in the wake of fears raised that three hour blackouts could hit parts of the UK this winter.

Government documents seen by The Sun in October revealed plans for the power cuts designed to conserve energy supplies.

Blackouts could be introduced in case of an emergency scenario where there is a massive shortage of gas, which is used to generate electricity.

Supplies to the UK have dropped in recent months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The blackouts would only take place in a worse-case scenario, where gas supplies are reduced because more people are using their energy on colder days.

It comes as commuters are bracing for rush hour chaos today after four inches of snow fell overnight.

The white stuff blanketed London and other parts of the country last night, seeing travel warnings scattered nation-wide.

Brits have already faced days of cancelled flights, delayed trains and backed-up motorways as a result of adverse weather.

Drivers were stuck in standstill traffic this morning on the M25 as snow fell on the busy motorway.

And at Gatwick and Stansted, runways are closed with dozens of flights delayed.

What happens if there's a blackout?

Planned three-hour blackouts could happen if there are low levels of wind power on the coldest of days.

The National Grid has said these planned blackouts will most likely happen between 4pm and 7pm on the coldest days between January and February.

If the power cuts do go ahead, it will be the first time there have been controlled blackouts since the 1970s. 

There are 15 power networks in the UK, and in the case of a looming shortage the National Grid will notify households if they will be cut off temporarily.

Blocks of households in particular areas could have their supplies cut off on rotation to avoid the entire country being plunged into darkness.

Colder temperatures during the winter naturally lead to more energy being consumed as people turn the heating on and have to use electricity for longer periods of the day. 

What emergency plan will National Grid follow?

Before a planned blackout, the National Grid will issue its emergency plan to reduce power supply.

Government documents reveal the first stage would involve direct appeals to the public to reduce their power consumption.

The second is putting restrictions on companies' electricity usage by requesting they reduce their consumption by a certain percentage.

And the final stage would involve rolling blackouts for homes across the UK.

There's also the demand flexibility service (DFS), which will run from now to March, and is being introduced to help prevent blackouts.

It will run 12 times to ensure people are rewarded, even if there are no blackouts this winter.

Households which have signed up to the programme in advance will get a text message asking them to turn off appliances at a certain time in exchange for £3 per kilowatt-hour saved.

This could be done by stopping running the washing machine or dishwasher until the supply crunch has eased.

If the £3 is fully passed on by the suppliers to customers, that implies payments of up to £20 for each day when requested by National Grid.

Power supply and demand has to be constantly balanced to avoid triggering blackouts.

National Grid has now confirmed the fifth trial session of the DFS is running tonight.

Both Octopus and British Gas will take part this evening between 5-7pm.

A British Gas spokesperson said: "We will be contacting the customers in our Peak Save scheme to let them know they have the option to take part in this saving event.

"The electricity grid is facing increased pressure and smart technology will play a key role in managing peak demand.

"During this trial we are testing how we can use this scheme to reduce consumption whilst having the added benefit of helping customers save on their energy bills."

There will also be a sixth trial running tomorrow for Ovo customers - who will get notified at some point today about it.

Vulnerable households who are signed onto the Priority Services Register will also be given advance warning of blackouts.

Ofgem has said it could grant those who are elderly or ill some perks including blackout warnings, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.

You can find out more about who is eligible and how to sign up to it here.

Is there risk of a blackout tonight?

No, there isn't.

Blackouts are worst-case scenario, and you'll be notified in advance if power needs to be cut off temporarily.