UK to run out of gas TODAY: National Grid warns of energy crisis as snow storm Emma rages
SNOW Storm Emma is threatening to shut down power in the UK after the National Grid issued a “gas deficient warning” following days of severe cold weather.
BBC weather reporter warns villages likely to be cut off by snow
Supplies could run out as homes ignite their central heating and hot water in plummeting temperatures.
The UK is already reeling from the so-called Beast from the East which unleashed heavy snow and freezing winds from Monday night.
And now the severe Storm Emma is creeping across the Channel after developing in Portugal earlier in the week.
Up to two foot of snow is predicted in some areas, with the south of England and Scotland due to be hit the hardest.
National Grid issued the worrying alert at 5am today, with supplies dropping about 50 million standard cubic metres (mscm) short of demand according to figures.
An update at 7pm said the Gas Deficit Warning (GDW) is still in place.A spokesman said: “It is looking tight.”
There is a daily demand of 395mscm, which means Britain is 14 percent short of what is needed.
The warning will remain in place until 5am on Friday.
The shortage announcement has sent gas prices soaring 74 percent to 200p per therm.
Issuing the warning, National Grid said: “This warning has been issued in response to a series of significant supply losses resulting in a forecast end of day supply deficit.
“National Grid will consider any user offers for single or multiple day trades.”
In an update at 6.15am, they added they were "scaling back off-peak exit capacity" from 1pm, as they ask industry to reduce their usage.
It said in a statement, a spokesman said: "National gas demand today is high and due to the extreme weather conditions, there have been gas supply losses overnight.
"At 5.45am this morning we issued a 'Gas Deficit Warning' to the market.
"This is an indication to the market that we'd like more gas to be made available to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the national gas network.
In an update at 5.09pm, National Grid revealed they were experiencing issues processing the exit capacity for two auctions as the company attempts to buy gas to fill shortage.
In a statement from National Grid said: “National Grid has a requirement to buy locational gas.
"Please be advised that we are aware of issues with the processing of the exit capacity auctions (DADNEX and DONEX).
“We are working with Xoserve to resolve these issues and we will issue a further update shortly.”
The current gas demand across the UK is forecast at 418 mscm with a supply deficit of 7 mscm, according to National Grid figures.
At 6.22pm they issued a statement saying the issue with DONEX had been rectified but investigations were ongoing for DADNEX.
A further update at 7.03pm reveal the the UK is still experiencing a gas deficit.
In a statement from National Grid said: "Please be advised that the Gas Deficit Warning (GDW) is still in place for March 1.“National Grid will continue to monitor the situation and will advise should this warning be removed."
"We are in communication with industry partners and are closely monitoring the situation."
Room temperatures of at least 18C are advised by health officials. But the mercury plunged as low as -11.7C in Farnborough, Hampshire, last night putting a huge strain of supplies.
Since this morning, National Grid has managed to claw back gas with the shortfall being reduced to about 15mscm. But it has had to buy at exceptional rates, with international suppliers squeezing the UK with prices inflated by more than three times the week's average.
The situation was so desperate National Grid told suppliers to send gas over immediately and it would sort payment later.
The cold weather has seen schools have been cancelled up and down the country while travel chaos is hitting road, rail and air.
Chris Stammers, head of insight at Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, said: “The UK is facing the very real threat today that we will not have enough gas to meet demand.”
He added: “Today’s warning from National Grid is another demonstration of why we must continue to invest in lower carbon energy sources to protect the future of the UK’s energy supply.
“We have a target that 20% of all energy production should come from renewable sources by 2020 and the technologies exist to help us do that. Intelligent electric heating appliances, for example, now offer smart grid connectivity, which means they can store energy from renewable sources and help spread demand on the Grid.
“By tapping into these technologies, businesses and households could help secure their own energy supply and reduce the pressure on the Grid too. Despite the cold weather across the country, the electricity grid is coping easily with demand at 46 GW frequency held constant at 50 HZ, including a 10 GW contribution from wind, which means plenty of spare capacity.”
Additional reporting by Helen Barnett.