The UK prompt power lost ground Monday after an increase in production from coal-fired plants across the country, traders said. Day-ahead baseload power fell GBP1.90/MWh to GBP34.50/MWh by the end of the morning session, by which time Tuesday peak had slid 65 pence/MWh to GBP41.50/MWh. Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Power and Drax Power started power units at their respective Ferrybridge, Longannet and Drax coal-fed stations, while RWE npower began producing electricity from all four units at its Didcot-A coal-fired plant, National Grid data showed. The greater availability of coal-fed stations reduce the need for costlier generators to run. Coal has recently become more important in determining the UK’s marginal capacity, meaning it has a more significant influence on power prices. However, cheaper gas prices and slightly warmer temperatures on Monday also fed into the prompt, traders said. Peak demand on Monday and Tuesday is pegged at a touch over 51 GW, while spare margins are expected to fall to 8.5 GW on Tuesday from 9.6 GW 24 hours earlier, according to data from grid manager National Grid.  On the curve, April base fell 35 p/MWh to GBP35.35/MWh, while seasonal contracts were largely flat from where they last traded on Friday. Summer 09 base was assessed at GBP36.05/MWh at noon GMT, 5 p/MWh down.

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