Business · Energy & Commodities · 10 hrs ago
UK electricity operator issues rare call for extra power as wind output falls
Great Britain’s electricity operator called for extra power on Monday morning as wind generation across Europe was forecast to be low.
The National Energy System Operator, which balances electricity supply and demand, first estimated a shortfall of almost 1,400 megawatts between 6am and 11am.
After an early review and a request for more generation, the shortfall fell to 500 megawatts.
Neso said no further contingency power was needed, though it could still ask power plants to produce more than usual until 11am.
Such notices have usually been issued during winter evenings, when electricity demand is high; recent alerts have also followed heatwaves that raised demand and reduced generation.
Neso said there was no risk of power cuts and customers did not need to take action.
A further review of electricity supplies was scheduled for 7.30am.
The National Energy System Operator issued a rare call for extra electricity supplies after forecasts showed low wind generation across Europe.
Its Sunday-night notice projected a shortfall of almost 1,400 megawatts between 6am and 11am on Monday.
After a pre-dawn review, a second notice said the shortfall had fallen to 500 megawatts and no further contingency power was required.
Neso said the notice was precautionary and that there was no risk to customer electricity supplies.
- Who
- The National Energy System Operator (Neso), which balances Great Britain’s electricity supply and demand.
- What
- It issued a rare notice calling for extra electricity supplies after forecasting a shortfall in supply margins.
- When
- The notice was issued on Sunday night for Monday morning. A second notice followed a pre-dawn review.
- Where
- Great Britain’s electricity system; low wind generation forecasts across Europe contributed to the situation.
- Why
- Low wind speeds across Europe had curbed renewable energy output, according to the article.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Neso issued a notice forecasting a shortfall of almost 1,400 megawatts from 6am to 11am on Monday.
Neso reviewed power supplies and issued a second margin notice, reporting that the shortfall had fallen to 500 megawatts.
A further review of electricity supplies was scheduled.
- Initial forecast shortfall
- Almost 1,400 megawatts
- Initial notice period
- 6am–11am on Monday
- Shortfall after review
- 500 megawatts
- Extra generation initially sought
- About 800 megawatts
- Further review
- 7.30am Monday
What people are saying
This is not a warning of power cuts, there is no risk to customer electricity supplies, and customers do not need to take action – Great Britain’s electricity system remains secure
a routine and precautionary measure