The National Grid issued a surprise alert today, warning people of potential power cuts on Tuesday night.
However, the automated alert, which warned there could be power cuts at around 7pm, was quickly withdrawn. According to reports, National Grid highlighted that there were contingency plans in place and therefore was no further need for the warning.
The warning, posted on the National Grid website, warned that there would be a "tight electricity margin" as people returned home from work and cooked their evening meals while using other electrical appliances. After the warning was removed, experts noted that it was a sign that there were likely to be "much tighter days ahead".
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National Grid also noted that the warnings "don't mean that electricity supply is at risk" and such warning are often dropped in quick succession. The National Grid website says: "The notices are intended to be a signal that the risk of a System Stress Event in the GB electricity network is higher than under normal circumstances."
Energy sector expert Phil Hewitt, director at Stockton-on-Tees-based Enappsys, said: "This is the first tight day of the winter but it is not super tight. It is a small appetizer of tightness, there will be much tighter days ahead."
Downing Street previously confirmed that the potential for power blackouts was not discussed but insisted ministers are "preparing for all eventualities". A Downing Street spokesman said: "We do have quite a diverse energy provision.
"Offshore wind continues to provide a huge amount of our energy, particularly during the winter months. While we are preparing for all eventualities, we are confident that we will continue to have good provision throughout the winter months.”
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