Britain has been forced to pay 17 times more to import energy from Europe during the heatwave after solar panels malfunctioned and demand for aircon was underestimated, with electricity hitting nearly £1,400 per megawatt hour at peak. The Telegraph has the story.

The UK paid nearly £1,400 per megawatt hour – about 17 times the normal prices – on Wednesday evening to obtain emergency supplies from the Continent in a move set to add £11 million to bills.

National Energy Systems Operator (Neso), which balances daily electricity supply and demand, paid the sky-high prices after a shortfall in energy generated from domestic solar and gas-fired power stations left the UK scrambling for supplies.

The situation meant Neso was forced to obtain a special dispensation from its EU counterparts to buy the power. The EU has limited sales to the UK because of the effect on the Continent’s own electricity supplies.

Read more: Britain Paying 17 Times More to Import Energy From Europe During Heatwave