HC Deb 12 February 1980 vol 978 cc571-2W
Mr. Brinton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy to what extent the completion of the Central Electricity Generating Board power station at Grain, Rochester to full capacity would create electricity capacity beyond national planned requirements.

Mr. David Howell

Grain power station is expected on present programme to come to full power in 1983 when current CEGB estimates suggest that there could be a plant margin of some 35 per cent. This figure is subject to a range of uncertainties, including changes in forecast demand as a result of economic trends and variations in the rates of plant commissioning and retirements. The actual plant margin in 1983 is expected to decline gradually thereafter to reach the current planning margin of 28 per cent. by the mid and late 1980s.

Mr. Brinton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much the total building works have cost at the Central Electricity Generating Board power station at Grain, Rochester, to date.

Mr. David Howell

I am advised by the CEGB that the total costs for construc- tion at Grain power station up to the end of December 1979 were £433 million.