National Grid stands down coal-fired units but will run a test to pay people to cut peak-time use.
The UK receives electricity via subsea cables from European countries including France, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, but higher demand in Europe could potentially disrupt supplies to the UK and would trigger the need for coal-generated energy.last resort if energy supplies reach low levels.
"We have enough supplies secured through the rest of the day that we can manage that and ensure there's no disruption to customers' supplies," he told the BBC's Today programme. It allows people to save cash if they avoid high-power activities, such as cooking or using washing machines, when demand is high. National Grid has said this could save households up to £100 over the winter.
Mr Slye said the test had been triggered because National Grid wanted to "test how consumers would respond when the weather was really cold". It is understood a decision was made by National Grid at 14:30 GMT on Sunday.British Gas, EDF, Eon and Octopus are signed up to the scheme but Scottish Power appears not to be.
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