Emergency coal power used for Britain's coldest night of the year As the coldest night of the year approaches, Britain is shivering. Arctic air dropping down from the north and set to stay for days. It's putting pressure on our electricity system, the national grid, for the first time this winter, activating emergency coal units that have been standing by in case of a shortage. The challenge we often face on very cold days is getting through the short but intense period of demand as everyone gets home from work and school. That's millions of households putting the kettle on, turning the heating up and making an evening meal all at the same time. When it's windy, we usually make more than enough power to cover that, but right now it's relatively still. Imports from Europe via subsea connectors can also help, but France, a major partner, has had limited supplies beca...