§ Mr. Jenkins:To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers she has to prevent a cut in electricity supply due to severe winter weather. [141889]
§ Mr. Timms:The market has responded to concerns about a possible shortfall by returning plant to service so that margins are at a similar level to the mid 1990's. However no system can be guaranteed and in the event of a possible power shortage there are a number of steps that NGT could take in order to maintain supplies and avoid rota cuts.
The Government have robust, and well rehearsed plans, for dealing with extreme circumstances that cannot be dealt with by NGT's normal operating arrangements.