A System Alert (Amber Alert) will be issued by SONI, Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator today at 13:00 due to generator outages. The Alert is expected to remain in place until further notice.  

During this period the grid will be operating with fewer large, conventional generators on the system than normal. This means we will be managing the grid outside of normal operating standards.

However, we expect that there will be sufficient generation available to meet demand and, if the anticipated generation expected remains available, we do not expect any impact on users of electricity.

Our expert engineers are closely monitoring the situation, working with conventional generators and demand-side resources to maximise their availability to the grid.

When SONI issues a System Alert there is no immediate impact for users of electricity. Instead, a System Alert warns of a heightened risk for potential temporary electricity supply issues in the near future, so that our expert engineers and those across the electricity sector can take pre-planned actions to protect the integrity of the grid. It is a signal for all generators of electricity to make their power plants available for use and not to put their power plants at any risk of further breakdowns or operational challenges.

We will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the status of the power system.

For more information on Grid Alerts, visit Grid Alerts Explained (soni.ltd.uk)