Energy spare capacity at its lowest level this winter, says National Grid

28th Oct 2014 09:24

The gap between electricity supply and demand is expected to be at historical high levels this year, National Grid has revealed.The Winter Outlook Report said this year's electricity margins have decreased due to planned generator closures and breakdowns.In 2011, spare capacity was at 17%, while last year it dropped to 5%. This year, National Grid expects the margin to be at 4.1%, the lowest since 2006/7.The operator said it has offered contracts to three power stations to make additional capacity available by November.Market Operation Director Cordi O'Hara said: "Each winter throws up its own challenges for the country's energy sector and I fully expect the coming winter will be no different."Tensions between Russia and Ukraine brought uncertainty to the gas supply stability in Eastern Europe, which could lead to "curtailment of gas supplies in to Europe", the report said.An Ofgem spokesperson commented on the report saying: "We are confident that National Grid has the right levers to keep the lights on and maintain a risk of customer disconnections which is better than the reliability standard set by government."However, given the tighter margins there can never be any room for complacency and National Grid and the industry must remain vigilant at all times."