National Grid warns of energy shortages threat this winter as nuclear sites are shut

BRITAIN should prepare for low energy supplies this winter as two nuclear plants shut down and workers flock back to the office, the business behind the power network has warned.

Low wind speeds and surging demand in Europe may also squeeze the amount of electricity available as it gets colder, according to National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

The Hunterston B and Dungeness B nuclear stations, run by French company EDF, are both due to shut within months, taking away a stable energy source at a time when unpredictable wind and solar generation is an increasing part of the power mix. There is also uncertainty over how much energy will come from coal-fired power stations as they start to shut down.

National Grid ESO said: “While we remain confident there is sufficient supply to meet peak demand, we should prepare for some tight periods during the winter.

“We have a well-functioning market that responds to market signals and the ESO may need to use its tools to manage these periods.”

National Grid ESO has to constantly balance supply and demand. If a shortterm crunch is looming, it alerts the market – effectively signalling to generators they will get a good price if they ramp up supply.

♦the owner of British Gas is considering keeping its stake in the UK’S ageing fleet of nuclear power stations, insisting the move is driven by a need for low carbon power rather than an inability to find a buyer.

FTSE 250 company Centrica revealed its thinking as it reported profits of £907m for the six months to June 30, up from a loss of £462m last year, helped by rising energy prices.