Yorkshire coal plants on standby to supply electricity

National Grid has instructed two coal plants in Yorkshire to begin warming up in case electricity supplies to the UK are disrupted because of the freezing weather.

The company said it had asked North Yorkshire-based power station operator, Drax, to prepare two coal-fire units for use.

National Grid explained that while the two plants will not necessarily need to be used, “this measure should give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply”.

Forecasted colder weather across the UK and Europe for another week is expected to put further pressure on energy supplies.

The UK receives electricity through subsea cables from European countries. But higher demand on the Continent could potentially disrupt the flow of electricity into the UK and would trigger the need for coal-generated energy to make up any shortfall.

National Grid says it, “has these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal and the public should continue to use energy as normal.”