National Grid puts coal plants on standby to supply electricity

National Grid ESO said it had asked power station operator Drax to prepare two coal-fired units and EDF to warm up its West Burton plant. National Grid ESO said the measures were "Precautionary" and it did not mean electricity supplies were at risk. National Grid ESO also said that between 17:00 and 18:00 GMT it would activate a scheme that allows some households to receive discounts if they cut their use of electricity, by, for example, delaying the use of a tumble-dryer or washing machine. According to National Grid ESO, 26 suppliers have joined the scheme, including firms such as British Gas, EoN, Octopus Energy and EDF, and more than a million households and businesses have now signed up to take part. Last year, the boss of National Grid told BBC News that blackouts would be a last resort this winter if energy supplies run low.

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