National Grid to pay households to use less electricity, as coal-fired power generators put on standby
Plans for energy companies to offer people discounts for cutting their electricity usage have been extended.
Some households with smart meters were eligible for the reductions if they saved energy between 5pm and 6pm yesterday – and this will also apply between 4.30pm and 6pm today.
For the first time, the National Grid ESO (electricity system operator) is activating its demand flexibility service, known as DFS for short.
The idea is to moderate demand when it’s at its highest during very cold winter days.
Households with up-to-date smart meters, which are signed up to the scheme via their supplier, can access discounts if they cut their electricity use by turning off energy-intensive appliances during set times.
ESO said it is looking for bids from suppliers to help save up to 341 megawatts of power between 4.30pm and 6pm.
The plan could still be abandoned if weather conditions improve.
The scheme is available to some households with smart meters
Will you be taking part in the Demand Flexibility Service? Tell us about your experience
The scheme reportedly compares usage against a customer’s usual demand and pays £3 for every unit or kilowatt hour (kWh) saved.
It is thought it could reduce household bills by up to £100 over the winter.
The scheme is due to stay in place until March, with 26 suppliers, including Octopus Energy and EDF, supporting it.
Until now, the DFS has only been used in tests.
Read more:
What is the Demand Flexibility Service and how can I save £100 off my energy bill if I sign up?
Check the weather forecast where you are
National Grid ESO said its announcement should not be interpreted as a sign that electricity supplies are at risk.
“People should not be worried,” it tweeted. “These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need.”
The cold weather means more people are heating their homes which increases demand for energy, while a lack of wind has reduced renewable sources.
Three UK coal plants – two at Drax’s site in North Yorkshire and one at West Burton in Nottinghamshire – have been ordered to begin warming up in case they are needed as the cold snap bites.
Craig Dyke, ESO head of national control, told Sky News: “We took the decision over the weekend to warm three coal-fired power stations, just for contingency, so not necessarily to run.
“Just to ensure that as we get through the evening peak today, we can ensure society that there will be electricity for them to use when they want to use it.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
Read more from Sky News:
Ten Reform councillors quit in protest
Liz Truss sends cease and desist letter to Starmer
As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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