Code red for power shortage in the Netherlands as heatwave continues

THE HAGUE (AFP) Aug 10, 2003
Authorities maintaining the Dutch national grid on Sunday issued their first so-called code red for a possible power shortage in almost a decade, as the country struggled to cope with the massive heatwave.

The Netherlands could suffer from power shortages if the heat continues as reserve capacity has hit an absolute minimum, Tennet -- which maintains the grid -- said.

A spokesman for Tennet told ANP news agency Sunday that the situation was "precarious" and called on people to limit electricity consumption Monday in the morning and spread it out during the day.

Because of the persistent high temperatures in the Netherlands surface water used to cool power stations has heated up as well, which means less electricity can be produced as generators cannot be cooled properly.

It is the first time in nine years that a code red has been issued for the Dutch national grid.

TERRA.WIRE