UK seeks extra electricity ahead of 'uncertain winter'

[cronus]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29038804

UK seeks extra electricity ahead of 'uncertain winter'

National Grid is seeking additional electricity supplies for winter after unexpected plant shutdowns have raised fears of potential shortages.

The firm, which runs Britain's supply network, said it was accelerating an emergency plan asking providers how much more electricity they could provide to fill a possible shortfall.

It said it was a "sensible precaution" due to an "uncertain" winter picture.

The move follows a series of unplanned shutdowns at large power plants.

"At this stage we don't know if these reserve services will be needed, but they could provide an additional safeguard," said National Grid's director of UK market operation Cordi O'Hara.

In June, National Grid had said the emergency plan to boost power supplies would not be needed this year.

However, the network operator said fires at E.ON's Ironbridge and SSE's Ferrybridge power plants as well as precautionary checks at EDF Energy's Heysham and Hartlepool nuclear plants had changed the outlook.

(continued)

[JimC]

Put some extra gerbils on those treadmills...

[jaydot]

this is just priming the pump so that we'll not be too surprised when the lekky goes off for hours at a time.

[JacksSmirkingRevenge]

I'm stockpiling it in the bath.

[JimC]

I'm stockpiling it in the bath.

I would as well, except the bath is too useful for making gin...

[Pappa]

When Putin turns off the gas we'll be fucked.

[cronus]

When Putin turns off the gas we'll be fucked.

Computer nerds especially. I've a thermal duvet.

[Pappa]

When Putin turns off the gas we'll be fucked.

Computer nerds especially. I've a thermal duvet.

It's ok Scrumple. I know how to smith, flintknap, make shelter, find food, purify water and loot shops. I'll be fine.

[cronus]

When Putin turns off the gas we'll be fucked.

Computer nerds especially. I've a thermal duvet.

It's ok Scrumple. I know how to smith, flintknap, make shelter, find food, purify water and loot shops. I'll be fine.

Saying the right words is what keeps you alive when the world falls apart. History books.

[cronus]

[mistermack]

When Putin turns off the gas we'll be fucked.

Computer nerds especially. I've a thermal duvet.

It's ok Scrumple. I know how to smith, flintknap, make shelter, find food, purify water and loot shops. I'll be fine.

That's called a normal day in Wales.