National Grid gives power pledge

BRITISH power company National Grid said yesterday it would be able to meet demand this winter despite offering contracts to large manufacturers to use less power.

The Sunday Times said companies such as Rio Tinto and Alcan had been approached to sign special “turndown” contracts in which they agree to have their power cut by a specified amount with just a few hours’ notice. But a National Grid spokeswoman said the move was “nothing new” and had been a method used by the company to balance supply and demand in previous years.

She added: “At times of high demand we can look at increasing generation or by decreasing demand from a customer. It depends which would be the best option.”