Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the potential average change to consumers' energy bills as a result of the Government's request that EDF, Drax and Uniper maintain coal plants beyond their planned closure dates; and if he will make a statement.
In light of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is right that the Government explore a wide range of options to further bolster energy security and domestic supply. The Government is exploring slightly extending the life of remaining coal-fired power stations to provide additional back up electricity this coming winter if needed. It remains the Government commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024. If the stations were to remain open over the winter, the Government would expect the impact on national and global CO2 emissions and consumers’ energy bills to be minimal.