As a result of the drop in temperature, there is predicted to be an increase in energy consumption this evening as the United Kingdom turns up the heat to stay warm.
The National Grid is conducting the fifth test of its blackout prevention strategy and warming up two coal plants to meet the increase in electricity demand as the United Kingdom endures a cold period.
As a result of the drop in temperature, there is predicted to be an increase in energy consumption this evening as the United Kingdom turns up the heat to stay warm.
According to the National Grid, today is predicted to have the greatest demand of the year.
“We have asked the two coal plants to warm up, effectively putting them on standby in case we need to use them this evening,” said Jake Rigg, director of corporate affairs for the National Grid ESO.
However, “that is not a sign that the lights would go out, so we are very reassuring on that front,” he added.
To prevent blackouts, the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) will pay households to use less energy during peak hours.
This consists of electric ranges, dishwashers, and clothes dryers.
The plan is the first line of defense should evening peak demand surpasses supply during the upcoming winter.
“Not even close” to blackouts
Mr. Rigg stated, “We are nowhere close” to temporary controlled blackouts.
However, he urged individuals not to use “energy-hungry” gadgets, such as electric vehicles, during peak hours.
The DFS has already been tried four times, and there may be up to 12 “demonstration days” in which families can receive up to £100 if they turn off their energy.
Larger industrial and commercial energy consumers could save multiples of this amount.
There is the potential for additional cost reductions if the DFS is utilized to prevent blackouts.
Decrease in available wind energy
The cold weather has coincided with periods of low wind, resulting in a decrease in available wind power and prompting others to note that wind is unreliable because it does not constantly blow.
As the United Kingdom abandons climate-warming fossil fuels such as gas, coal, and oil, its future energy mix will likely comprise a variety of low-carbon sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, hydrogen, and various storage solutions.
In addition to being less expensive than gas, renewable energy is currently cushioning the shock of growing gas prices.
Customers of Octopus paid more than £1m
In almost the course of four hours of ‘Saving Sessions,’ Octopus Energy reported that clients have received over £1 million.
The DFS enables the program, and over 250,000 customers participate in the hour-long sessions.
During each of these peak hours, Octopus users reduced the energy demand on the grid by almost 100MW, the same amount that a gas power plant can produce in an hour.
Across all four sessions, users shifted about 450MWh of energy consumption away from peak hours, enough to completely charge one smartphone for every UK family.
Additionally, another session will be held today between 5 and 7 p.m.
