Grid operator issues rare summer power warning amid UK heatwave
11 reported
Great Britain’s grid operator has issued a rare summer electricity margin notice, asking power plant owners to provide extra power as a heatwave intensifies. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) released the notice late Tuesday, citing extremely high temperatures affecting Britain and the continent, as well as low wind. A Neso spokesperson said the electricity supply is not at risk and the notice does not mean a blackout is imminent. Neso stated it needs an extra 1,900 megawatts of power-generating capacity to maintain normal safety margins. Demand is expected to climb between 7pm and 10pm on Wednesday as people use fans and air conditioning. The notice is more common during cold winter spells, but the heatwave has pushed European electricity prices to multiyear highs. Record June temperatures of 38C are expected in southeast England on Wednesday, with 39C forecast for Thursday.
What’s reported
Neso issued an electricity margin notice late Tuesday for Wednesday evening.
The notice asks power plant owners to provide any extra electricity.
Cause: extremely high temperatures affecting Great Britain and the continent, plus low wind.
Neso said the electricity supply is not at risk and a blackout is not imminent.
Neso needs an extra 1,900 megawatts of power-generating capacity.
Demand is expected to climb between 7pm and 10pm on Wednesday.
Record June temperatures of 38C expected Wednesday, 39C Thursday in southeast England.
Train operators urged passengers to travel only if necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.
Schools closed across southern England and Wales; hospital appointments cancelled.
Several trade unions called for a strike on the hottest day.
No maximum legal temperature for UK workplaces; minimum is 16C in offices.
Key figures
National Energy System Operator (Neso) – grid operator for England, Scotland, and Wales.
Neso spokesperson (unnamed).
Trade unions: Trades Union Congress, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Fire Brigades Union.
Sources: The Guardian
