Comment from the contributor:

From Telegraph UK -- According to the Met Office, an unusually long period high pressure across the UK caused a cold snap resulting in very little wind. This forces the grid to rely on back up from fossil fuels and other renewable energy sources. Experts worry that the intermittent nature of wind will force the UK to rely on insecure energy supplies, such as gas from Russia, and are calling for a greater energy mix including controversial nuclear and coal-fired power stations.

“ Since Boxing Day much of the country has suffered sub-zero conditions with frozen rivers and lakes and even the sea in the south of England, at Sandbanks in Dorset. In the last few days temperatures in southern England plunged as low as 17.6F (-8C). However the weather is expected to warm up over the weekend, with wind speeds also picking up. ”