Great Britain’s electricity grid operator warned that the country risks blackouts this winter because coal and nuclear plants are being closed while electricity use is expected to increase to normal levels this winter with COVID-19 rules relaxed. This was reported in what the Guardian writes was a “surprise report” which warned that the “margin” of forecast electricity supplies might exceed demand by 5.3%, the tightest margin recorded since the winter of 2015-2016, when National Grid was forced to ask businesses to reduce their electricity usage to keep the lights on after a spate of breakdowns at coal plants.
“Following tighter margins in winter 2020-21 compared to previous winters, we have decided to publish an early view of the margin for winter 2021-22. We believe this will help to inform the electricity industry and support preparations for the winter ahead,” the report said.
Last year Britain relied on its last remaining coal power plants to meet demand during the winter when demand was high and wind speeds low last winter. The situation will be more critical this year because of the closure of older nuclear plants and because several gas power stations will remain unavailable.
