The electricity system operator NGESO has told coal generating plant that forms part of a reserve secured for the winter that they may be required during the early peak period this evening (Monday). It rescinded the order late on Monday morning.
The NGESO had issued a notification to operators to warm the winter contingency units, a process that takes several hours. NGESO said, “This notification is not confirmation that these units will be used on Monday, but that they will be available to the ESO, if required”.
Shortage of supply in the period has also prompted a ‘Saving Session’ event at Octopus Energy. Customers who have signed up for this ‘demand response’ programme can opt to reduce their demand between 5pm and 7pm and receive a credit of 22.5p/kWh saved.
There was some good news on electricity supply when France’s generation exceeded 40GW on Sunday for the first time since March, according to French operator RTE. One reason for the shortness of European electricity supply this winter is that many of France’s nuclear units have been shut down for inspection and repairs, and restart has taken longer than the operator expected. But three units whose return to service was expected next month are now back in operation, slightly ahead of the (delayed) schedule.