The National Grid has triggered its emergency plans amid fears energy suppliers could fall short, causing blackouts.
Because of this, they have given notice to two of its reserve coal-fired power stations to fire up and be ready to produce energy if called on by the grid.
The news comes as much of the UK endures temperatures below zero, with snow in many areas.
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Rail strikes are adding to energy concerns, with many more people working from home and using more heating, the network is said to be facing a surge in demand.
However although plans have been triggered, it does not mean the coal-fired units will be used, they will only come on line if required, according to the National Grid Electricity System Operator.
Taking to Twitter the National Grid announced: "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."
If required, it is expected that the stations, operated by Drax in North Yorkshire, will be used between 5pm and 9pm - a period of time where the demand is at its highest.
Both units are capable of generating around 570 megawatts – adding more than 1.1 gigawatts to the grid, if required.
According to The Times, it is the first time this winter they have considered using the coal plants after stating they would only do so as a "last resort" in order to prevent blackouts. The news of its plans also comes as they decided on Sunday (December 11) against formally triggering other emergency schemes to pay households with smart meters to cut their power usage.
Tonight however, some households are being asked to use less power between 5pm and 7pm as part of a trial.
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