Grid could see record low demand this summer

Electricity demand on the grid could hit a record low this summer due in part to growth in solar generation, according to the system operator.

In its latest summer outlook, NESO said there is the potential that the network will need to operate at below 13.4GW, lower than the previous record set during the Covid lockdowns.

The report said growth in renewable generation, particularly solar will likely see a reduction in the electricity transferred across the national electricity transmission network.

The system operator said it was confident that it has the “right tools in place to operate the network over the summer months”.

“There is potential that we may need to use these operational tools such as Negative Reserve Active Power Margin (NRAPM) notices to inform the wider energy market of periods where greater flexibility will be required to balance the electricity network,” it added.