The National Grid has triggered its back-up power plan as the UK battles sub-freezing temperatures and widespread snow.
The energy network is facing a surge in demand as temperatures have plunged in its coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures in Scotland dipping below minus 15C. Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded minus 15.7C overnight, the Met Office said. .
Snow has also fallen across the country, causing airports to shut their runways and major delays to motorways.
National Grid has subsequently given notice to two of its reserve coal-fired power stations to fire up, ready to produce energy is called on by the grid, the Mirror reports. The network's operator said the emergency plan "should give the public confidence in Monday's energy supply".
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The coal-fired units will not necessarily be used on Monday but will be available to the grid, if required, said the National Grid Electricity System Operator.
"The ESO as a prudent system operator has these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal and the public should continue to use energy as normal," it said.
It comes as parts of the UK wake up to several inches of snow this morning as the current cold snap continues into this week, with temperatures plunging as low as -10C.
A spokesperson for the National Grid said: "We've issued a notification to warm two winter contingency coal units. This measure should give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply.
"This notification is not confirmation that these units will be used on Monday, but that they will be available to the ESO, if required.
"The ESO as a prudent system operator has these tools for additional contingency to operate the network as normal and the public should continue to use energy as normal."
It comes as the Met Office warning covering our region will be in place until 11am today (Monday) as the cold snap caused by air that has moved in from the Arctic continues. Forecasters warn that freezing fog and patches of ice are likely to lead to some slow or difficult journeys.
There are likely to be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, slower journey times and delays on buses and train and a chance of delays to flights. In Greater Manchester today (Monday), it is expected to remain dry with no further snowfall forecast.
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