The National Grid has triggered its back-up power plan amid fears that there could be black outs across the UK.
It comes as temperatures drop below zero and most of the nation, including Liverpool, has been hit by snow, ice and freezing fog. The network is facing a surge in demand causing worries that energy suppliers could run out.
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, reported The Mirror. The network's operator said the emergency plan "should give the public confidence in Monday's energy supply".
READ MORE: Met Office weather warnings in place throughout week as cold snap continues
The National Grid Electricity System Operator said the triggering of the plan did not mean that the coal-fired units will be used on Monday, but that they will be available to the grid, if required. It said: "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 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."
The warning, they said, was just a contingency plan, and would only happen "if required". The spokesperson added: "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."
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