{"text":[[{"start":6.45,"text":"Britain’s electricity system operator has called for extra power supplies during Wednesday evening’s solar eclipse, in what it describes as a “precautionary” measure. "}],[{"start":15.25,"text":"The state-owned National Energy System Operator (Neso) said in a notice issued to the market on Tuesday evening and reiterated on Wednesday morning that it wanted a “greater safety cushion” between demand and supply during the hours of 6pm to 8pm. "}],[{"start":30.95,"text":"Europe’s first total solar eclipse of this century comes as Britain and the continent rely far more heavily on solar power than during previous eclipses due to the move to lower-carbon energy. "}],[{"start":42.35,"text":"Electricity grid operators expect it to lead to the loss of about 700 megawatts of solar power in Britain and about 9.7 gigawatts on the continent, enough for millions of homes. "}],[{"start":55.1,"text":"Power supplies are already strained due to heatwaves, forcing some nuclear power plants in Europe to temporarily shut down because the rivers they need for cooling are too warm or too low. "}],[{"start":66.25,"text":"Octopus Energy, Britain’s largest household supplier, has offered customers some free electricity this weekend if they use less power during the solar eclipse. "}],[{"start":75.5,"text":"“When the moon blocks the sun there’ll be a dip in solar power, right during the energy ‘rush hour’ when Brits get home and start making tea,” it said in a message on X. "}],[{"start":85,"text":"“The grid’s not gonna go dark, but it could mean backup fossil fuel plants have to fire up to fill the gap, which is worse for the planet and more expensive.”"}],[{"start":93.45,"text":"Neso said in a statement that the “electricity margin notice” was a “routine tool” and that there “is no risk to customer electricity supplies”. "}],[{"start":101.60000000000001,"text":"However, it is one of several such notices Neso has had to issue so far this summer, reflecting the impact of heatwaves as well as the complications of managing renewable electricity. "}],[{"start":112.2,"text":"Neso is under investigation by the regulator and external lawyers following an incident on June 23 when the electricity system’s frequency was below operational standards for almost two hours. "}],[{"start":124.4,"text":"Whistleblowers have alleged the grid was not being run securely at the time, claims aired in parliament by shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho. "}],[{"start":133.15,"text":"In an industry forum last week, a Neso official said it had been planning for the eclipse for the past year. "}],[{"start":146.25000000000003,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1786530464_7903.mp3"}