National Grid has increased its forecast for the surplus power margin to 10.3% for this winter.

That’s a rise from 5.7% from last winter, according to the grid operator’s Winter Outlook Report for 2017/18.

It expects there to be sufficient generation and interconnector imports to meet demand throughout this winter.

The peak transmission demand is forecast at 50.7GW, with the highest demand for electricity occurring on cold, dark days in winter during the tea time peak.

Gas demand is expected to be lower than last winter at 51.4 billion cubic meters this winter, primarily because gas for power generation is forecast to reduce.

The grid operator suggests there will be sufficient gas supplies available to meet demand and will be met from a wide range of supply sources.

Phil Sheppard, Director of UK System Operator said: “The forecast surplus margin for this winter is 10.3%. this is the additional power we expect to have available over and above what is needed to manage anticipated electricity demand. The margin has increased from last year which is encouraging as we enter the first main delivery year of the Capacity Market.”

Energy markets and prices will be part of the discussions at Energy Live Expo on 2nd November at the QEII in London. There are limited free tickets for energy end users.