PowerSwitch

Emergency supplies of electricity are being sought by the National Grid for this winter because of the threat of shortages of output from the UK’s coal, gas and nuclear power stations.

National Grid said on Tuesday it was extending its search for additional sources of temporary supplies, blaming emergency shutdowns at two nuclear power stations operated by EDF of France and unexpected fires at two key coal-fired stations during recent months – Ironbridge in Shropshire and Ferrybridge in Yorkshire.

“This is a sensible precaution to take while the picture for this winter remains uncertain. At this stage we don’t know if these reserve services will be needed, but they could provide an additional safeguard.”

National Grid proposed two services to be available in the mid-decade until the Capacity Market - established in the Energy Act 2013 - takes effect.

Supplemental Balancing Reserve providers would be required to be available between 0600hrs and 2000hrs between November and February, and would be held under the direct control of National Grid in its role as System Operator.

The Demand Side Balancing Reserve (DSBR) service will allow large energy users to reduce their demand or run other sources of generation during peak winter periods. The service will be available for short periods between 1600hrs and 2000hrs on weekday evenings between November and February.