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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Jasper Jolly and Alex Lawson

National Grid stands down coal plants on standby in icy weather

Drax power station in Selby, England
The coal-fired plants that were preparing to operate on Monday are owned by the energy company Drax. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Great Britain’s electricity system operator has stood down two coal-fired power stations that were put on emergency standby to keep the lights on amid a spell of cold weather.

Earlier on Monday, National Grid’s electricity system operator (ESO) said the two “winter contingency coal units” would be available if required as temperatures dip below zero and demand soars. It said the public should continue to use energy as normal.

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