Triad dates confirmed for 2014/15

The National Grid has published the latest Triad dates as follows: 

2014-2015 Weather Season

Winter 2014/2015 has been milder than normal, but colder than last winter in the UK.

• Average temperatures for the period October to February were 0.6 degC above the long-term average, while winter 13/14 averaged 1.0 degC above.
• The mildest months were October and November, while the coldest conditions occurred in February.
• The majority of December was also mild and windy, though colder days near the end of the year bought the average monthly temperature closer to normal.
• Cold spells in January and February provided plenty of opportunity for Triad calls, with the most notable cold in weeks beginning 19th January and 2nd February.

 2014-2015 Triad Demand Season

•  The lowest Triad period this year was higher than any Triad period during the 2013/14 season.

• This year has out-turned lower than any other year (excluding 2013/14) during the last 10 years.
• This is only the fourth time in the last 10 years where one of the Triad periods has been period 36 (17:30-18:00). 
• This year’s Triad season has been similar to what was seen in 2011/12. For example 2 out of the 3 periods where in January and February and the other was in December, 2 out of the 3 where a Monday and the other was a Thursday and 2 Triads where period 35 (17:00-17:30) and 1 period was period 36 (17:30-18:00). 

What it means to you

In order to maintain and upgrade the UK electricity network, National Grid is paid transmission (TNUOS) fees by generators and customers each year. Customers pay their share of the transmission charges based on usage during the Triad period.

Looking to control energy costs? We offer a range of flexible gas contracts for large organisations.

Find out more about what we can do for you

Triad is the term used to describe the three periods of highest power transmission demand within a year, which are the half hour settlement period of system peak demand and the two half hour settlement periods of next highest demand. These periods are separated by at least 10 clear days between 1 November and 28 February inclusive. Typically, they would occur in the half hourly period 5-6pm when demand tends to be at its greatest during the winter months, with industry and domestic power usage at its peak.

Being prepared for a Triad event can be extremely beneficial to your business, as dependent on your current power supply contract your usage during these times can significantly impact the transmission charges that you subsequently pay.  Speak to your account manager about Triad warning services and how you can effectively manage usage during these periods, and potentially make substantial savings for your business in the process.