UK GRID WATCH

Demand is the rate of electricity use reported by the source dataset, measured in gigawatts (GW). Coverage can differ from total consumption because embedded generation and exports may be treated separately. The amber and red demand thresholds are display settings chosen for this dashboard; they do not measure available capacity or predict a shortage.

Great Britain operates at a nominal 50 Hz. NESO balances supply and demand to keep frequency close to that target. This dashboard marks readings outside 49.8–50.2 Hz in amber and outside 49.5–50.5 Hz in red. A frequency reading alone does not predict a power cut. See NESO’s frequency explanation for context.

Combined-cycle gas turbines produce electricity using a gas turbine and a steam turbine powered by recovered exhaust heat. Output changes with demand, market conditions, plant availability and the wider supply mix. The gas gauge thresholds are dashboard display settings.

Nuclear stations typically provide sustained electricity output. Refuelling, planned maintenance and unplanned outages can change the recorded total. A high reading means high output on this gauge, rather than a fault or a shortage warning.

Wind generation varies with weather and turbine availability. Depending on the reporting dataset, smaller embedded wind farms may be estimated or reported separately. Compare wind with demand and other sources before drawing conclusions about system conditions.