The UK will have sufficient energy supply to meet demand at all times this summer.

That’s according to National Grid, which has released its Summer Outlook report for 2023, outlining key messages for the season ahead.

The report highlights three key points that are likely to be of interest to consumers across the country.

Firstly, National Grid has reassured consumers that it will meet its reliability standards throughout the summer.

National Grid is confident it can support exports to neighbouring European countries if required.

Last summer’s coordinated support with neighbouring Transmission System Operators is expected to continue.

Secondly, National Grid has expressed confidence in its existing tools to manage system operability this summer.

The report identifies periods of low demand as typically representing the more challenging operational events during summer.

National Grid has already put in place operational tools and services to manage these, including stability services and Dynamic Containment.

Finally, National Grid expects balancing costs to be lower than last summer due to lower wholesale prices and activities implemented by the Electricity System Operator (ESO).

While wholesale prices remain high, they have fallen since last summer, reducing the cost of the National Grid’s balancing actions.

The ESO has implemented a range of cost-saving measures, including the reduction of the existing minimum inertia requirement under the Frequency Risk and Control Report policy.

National Grid anticipates balancing costs could be approximately 30% lower than last summer.