§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what he estimates to be the trend of United Kingdom electricity demand; and how he relates that to the amount of generating capacity available.
§ Mr. EadieThe average rate of growth of electricity demand could be in the range of 2–3 per cent. per annum up to 1980. In its 1976 corporate plan the CEGB assumes that no additional orders for new main generating plant need to be placed before 1978–79.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what electricity generating capacity is required efficiently to meet current United Kingdom demand; and what additional capacity is likely to come on stream by 1980.
§ Mr. EadieA margin of generating capacity of 20 per cent. above forecast peak demand is agreed between Government and the electricity supply industry to cover such contingencies as weather of extreme severity and non-availability of generating plant. The CEGB informs me that its central estimate of peak demand this coming winter under weather of average severity is 42,000 MW and its estimated output capacity is 56,640 MW. Current capacity is thus more than sufficient to meet current demand. The estimated additional capacity likely to come on stream between this winter and the beginning of 1980 is 5,040 MW.