National Grid Threatens Blackouts – Launches Demand Flexibility for the First Time
The National Grid came close to dialing up power cuts on Tuesday but pulled back at the last minute.
On Monday, the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) revealed it was considering activating its new Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) to avoid blackouts. This scheme, launched earlier this month, pays households and businesses to cut their electricity use when supply is tight.
How Demand Flexibility Could Stop Blackouts
The DFS, tested twice before, asks customers to slash power during specific hours. In return, they get paid for every bit of electricity saved. This clever trick eases pressure on the grid during crunch times, like the anticipated supply squeeze on Tuesday.
Warning Issued – Then Quickly Withdrawn
On Monday evening, National Grid briefly sounded the alarm that electricity supplies could be tighter than they liked. But the warning was swiftly pulled back as extra power was secured at the eleventh hour.
It’s a dramatic glimpse into how close the UK came to blackouts – and how new tech and quick thinking could keep the lights on.
