Power grid operator scrambles to avert blackout risk

The UK’s power grid operator has urged electricity providers to bolster output this evening to avert the threat of blackouts amid plunging temperatures.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) issued an alert “to encourage market actions to increase system margins”.

It is worried about a lack of spare capacity in the grid from 4pm until 7pm due to “system constraints”.

The body, which is in public control after formally being part of National Grid, sought 900 megawatts of power as part of the so-called system margin notice.

Such notices are a call for a greater safety cushion between power demand and available supply.

It does not signal that blackouts are imminent or that there is not enough generation to meet current demand, the NESO stated.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

More from Money

Piers Morgan to leave Rupert Murdoch’s News UK in deal over YouTube venture

Rolls-Royce pours £300m into factory expansion to meet bespoke car demand

Money blog: Billionaire Premier League owner ‘thinking of leaving UK’ after budget

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.