Emergency coal-fired power stations to be used to avoid blackouts on coldest night of the year

7 March 2023, 17:02

National Grid fires up two power stations to avoid blackouts on coldest night of the year
National Grid fires up two power stations to avoid blackouts on coldest night of the year. Picture: Alamy

By StephenRigley

THE National Grid is to start emergency plans for the first time to avoid blackouts on the coldest night of the year.

Bosses made the announcement hours after activating contingency plans as a precaution over fears supplies may struggle to keep up with demand during the current cold snap.

Two coal powered stations in West Burton in Lincolnshire began feeding into the national grid on Tuesday afternoon.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has considered using the stations previously but they have always been stood down.

It is the first time the emergency coal stations will be in use. So far, two of the four contingency coal units will be used to generate electricity tonight.

Earlier today, The National Grid put the coal plants on standby in case they were needed.

It said this morning: "The ESO as a prudent system operator has developed these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal.

"This does not mean electricity supplies are at risk."It comes as temperatures are set to drop across the UK, putting a strain on energy supplies.

Snow hits Britain
Snow hits Britain. Picture: Alamy

Read More: London to get snow this week, says Met Office, as Arctic blast makes Brits shiver in freezing temperatures

Read More: Snow to sweep the UK on the coldest day of 2023 so far as temperatures fall to -10C, with London to be hit this week

Tonight (Tuesday) could be the coldest night of the year so far, the Met Office has announced. It said temperatures could drop to -15C in some sheltered Scottish glens, especially where there is fresh snow cover.

Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place for London, the Thames Valley, East Anglia, parts of the Midlands and South Wales until 10am this morning.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

People sit on deckchairs on brown-coloured dry grass, in the sunshine in Hyde Park in central London

Parts of UK to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu next week as first day of spring looms

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Liverpool vs Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, London.

Newcastle crowned Carabao Cup winners, taking home first major trophy in 70 years

Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards on Nov. 6, 2019, in New York.

‘You’re going to have to kill me’ - Kanye leaks chilling texts with Kim after involving daughter in Diddy scandal

Pilot Mike Beaton was sacked for snorting cocaine off a passengers breasts in 2023.

British Airways pilot back in the skies after snorting drugs off woman's breasts before flight

Iran has denied backing Yemen's Houthis after the US launched airstrikes in the country's capital and Donald Trump promised to 'hold Iran accountable' for allegedly supporting the rebels.

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after US strikes Yemen and Trump threatens to hold Tehran 'fully accountable'

MP Rosie Duffield claimed she was 'single-handedly bullied' out of the Labour party by 'millionaire barrister' Sir Keir Starmer.

Former Labour MP claims she was 'bullied out of the party' by 'millionaire' Starmer amid 'anti-sleaze' row

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

Former advisor to President Putin told LBC ‘Ukrainians will be thankful after we liberate them'.

Putin ally suggests Ukrainians should be 'thankful' nation is being 'bombed to bits'

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

Newcombe Road, Coventry.

One man dead and another left with 'potentially life-changing facial injuries' following Coventry double stabbing

Streeting suggests Labour discontent is ‘manufactured rebellion’ as he refuses to confirm disability benefits U-turn

Streeting suggests Labour discontent is ‘manufactured rebellion’ as he refuses to confirm disability benefits U-turn

Alice da Silva Aguiar was one of the three children killed.

Fundraiser for playground in memory of Southport victims Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King reaches £250,000

Foreign Office staff enjoyed the Nassau Yacht Club in Barbados, in January 2023, spending £920.

Civil servants splurge on Barbados yacht club trip with taxpayer-backed credit card

Met Police sued after reinstating 999 call handler who mock Sarah Everard and called rape victim a ‘slut’

Met Police sued after reinstating 999 call handler who 'mocked Sarah Everard' and called rape victim a ‘slut’

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

FILE - Britain's Prince Harry leaves after attending an Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Bombshell US court ruling orders Prince Harry's visa application files be made public by Tuesday