Ordering three coal-fired power plants to be ready for activation
London, Thanasis Gavos
The authorities in Britain are forced to implement emergency measures to save energy, due to the continuing low temperatures.
For the first time tonight, the “demand flexibility service” is being activated by the electricity system operator National Grid, which is responsible for running the national grid.
This program provides that certain households with a smart electricity consumption meter are entitled to a discount on their electricity bill if they keep energy-consuming appliances switched off between 5pm and 6pm. The program will be valid until March.
Energy-consuming appliances include ovens, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, video game consoles, and home chargers for electric vehicles.
The rebate amounts to three pounds per kilowatt-hour saved and is estimated to save each participating household up to £100 in total. 26 energy supply companies participate in the program.
National Grid stressed that the activation of the program should not be taken as an indication of a lack of energy reserves, speaking of “precautionary measures”.
At the same time, however, he announced that due to the tighter-than-usual margins in power consumption on Monday night, three coal-fired power plants have also been ordered to be ready for activation.
Cancellations at Heathrow
The use of coal for power generation in Britain has largely been phased out, but five generating units remain available for emergencies.
The increased demand for energy is due to the very cold temperatures of the last ten days across Britain. This cold is accompanied by apnea, resulting in the reduction of available wind energy.
Overnight the temperature dropped to -10C in Scotland, while in the area of ​​Heathrow Airport in west London it fell to -8.4C.
It was the coldest temperature at the airport since December 2010 and combined with freezing fog caused the cancellation of nearly 100 morning flights.
Temperatures in the country are expected to return to more normal levels within the week.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
