National Grid puts backup coal plants into action for first time this winter

Two units at EDF's West Burton A plant in Nottinghamshire began producing power on Tuesday

National Grid has called coal plants put on standby as emergency backup into action for the first time this winter, before the coldest night of the year.

Two units at EDF's West Burton A plant in Nottinghamshire began producing power for the grid on Tuesday afternoon. Their output will be ramped up depending on how much electricity can be generated from other sources.