§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans are in place to ensure that electricity supplies to homes and industry are maintained in the event of severe winter weather. [141854]
§ Mr. TimmsThe 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 1990s. 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 has robust, and well rehearsed plans, for dealing with extreme circumstances that cannot be dealt with by NGT's normal operating arrangements.