Poland’s transmission system operator has triggered the capacity market again as extreme heat and hydrological drought put the country’s power grid under pressure. The call applies today from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., although the schedule may change, and PSE recommends limiting electricity consumption.
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) issued the activation notice to all entities with capacity obligations. During the announced period, generators must make capacity available to the operator or feed energy into the network, while demand-side participants must reduce their consumption. Those who stay on standby and deliver when called receive capacity payments.
This is the fourth call-up in the history of Poland’s capacity market and the second this year. The previous one took place on June 30 and was caused by the same factor: heat and its impact on the power system. PSE must announce such periods at least eight hours before the scheduled delivery time.
What the call-up means for electricity users
For individual consumers, the activation brings no disruptions or practical limitations. The operator’s advice to save energy is based on economic grounds, not on any compulsory measures aimed at households.
An exception applies to consumers participating in the capacity market as demand reduction units. Those participants have contractual obligations and must cut their demand when the operator invokes the capacity mechanism.
Heat and drought challenge the power system
Hydrological drought and high summer temperatures are increasingly testing Poland’s electricity infrastructure. The latest activation follows the same pattern as the June 30 call, when PSE responded to heat-related strain on the network.
PSE calls on market participants to meet their duty to deliver power or reduce off-take, depending on their role. For ordinary customers, the practical consequence is limited to a recommendation to use electricity more efficiently during the afternoon and evening, while the heatwave continues to affect both water resources and the energy system.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL
