Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what discussions she has had with National Grid after it gave its notification of inadequate system margin on 5 November 2015.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State spoke with Steve Holliday, National Grid’s Chief Executive on 5November to discuss the Notice of Inadequate System Margin which National Grid issued on 4 November.

Following the call, the Secretary of State has written to National Grid requesting a more in-depth analysis of some the factors contributing to the issuing of the notice and an assessment of the potential implications on future decisions.

We take security of supply very seriously and we are working with National Grid to make sure there is always sufficient generating capacity available to meet demand even in challenging conditions, such as extremely cold weather.