Britain's power network overseer has called for more electricity generation tonight due to freezing conditions.
The state-run National Energy System Operator (NESO), which was spun out of National Grid PLC (LSE:NG.) last year, warned of a tight power market today.
In an electricity margin notice (EMN) issued to the market, NESO said the system was expected to have a shortfall of 1700 megawatts (MW), with power companies asked to add more capacity to provide a greater safety cushion of available supply.
"Our forecasts are showing tight margins on the electricity system for Wednesday evening between 4-7pm," a spokesperson said.
"This is a routine tool that we use most winters, and means we are asking market participants to make any additional generation capacity they may have available."
An EMN "does not mean electricity supply is at risk", they stressed.