HL Deb 18 November 2004 vol 666 c213WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Under what circumstances energy companies are allowed to install water turbines in the weirs of the River Thames. [HL4916]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Water turbines in the weirs of the Thames for the purpose of generating electricity have to take place within the normal formal planning procedure. An abstraction licence from the Environment Agency would also be required.

Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

At what rates the energy companies generating power from turbines in the River Thames are permitted by OFGEM to sell power to (a) Windsor Castle; and (b) other customers. [HL4917]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Under the legislation passed by Parliament it is envisaged that the prices charged by electricity generators to customers are a matter for the companies themselves rather than for OFGEM to decide.