HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 c1088W
Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated surplus generating capacity of the CEGB over the next five years; and what effect the current surplus has had on electricity charges to the domestic consumer.

Mr. Benn

Appendix A of the CEGB's Corporate Plan 1976 shows that the CEGB's gross plant margin in average cold spell weather is forecast as:

Year and Gross Plant Margin (MW)
1977–78 14,470
1978–79 13,710
1979–80 15,580
1980–81 16,950
1981–82 16,920

The CEGB estimates that if there had been no excess capacity the average charge for bulk supplies of electricity would have been only marginally lower in 1975–76.