Britain’s last coal power stations to be paid huge sums to keep lights on

Plants called on to supply electricity amid fall in wind generation and surge in price of gas

Owners of the UK's last remaining coal power stations are in line to be paid record sums to keep the lights on as energy prices reach fresh highs, and could be pushed even higher by lower wind power.

Coal plants have been called on to supply power steadily in recent months, through one of the least windy summers on record since 1961 and sharply rising prices in the wholesale energy market.