Electricity Generation

Energy and Climate Change written question – answered am ar 17 Gorffennaf 2013.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mark Reckless Mark Reckless Ceidwadwyr, Rochester and Strood

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of how much capacity will be required to fill the gap until the Capacity Market begins operating; and for how long mothballed capacity will be needed.

Photo of Michael Fallon Michael Fallon The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills , Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change

holding answer 16 July 2013

We consider that there will be adequate electricity capacity before the Capacity Market begins operating.

Ofgem's recent report shows that in some scenarios capacity could fall to uncomfortable levels if no further action were taken.

This is why Ofgem is consulting on whether to enable National Grid to develop new services to balance the electricity system in middle of the decade. If needed, these services would provide consumers with additional safeguards against any increased risk to mid-decade security of supply.

The balancing services could be initiated from the winter of 2014-15 and operate in the period before the Capacity Market begins to deliver capacity (from 1 October 2018). Decisions on whether to allow National Grid to procure such services will be taken by Ofgem based on an assessment of need.

DECC fully supports Ofgem's consultation, and has liaised with Ofgem and National Grid on the development of the proposals.

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