A group representing 60 local authorities has warned that recent closures of large power stations have left Britain heading for power cuts next winter, despite assurances to the contrary from the government. The Industrial Communities Alliance (ICA), an all-party association of councils from across Britain, said National Grid needed to act immediately to fill the supply gap by sending out new contracts for at least 2,500 megawatts (MW) of additional generating capacity – enough to power 2.5m homes. The alliance wants ministers to reconsider the level of carbon taxes, saying this is one of the key reasons why so man y coal-fired power stations are being shut down early. Five plants, including Longannet, Ferrybridge and Rugeley, representing 7,000 MW of electricity-generating capacity, were available this winter but would not be fully in action by the end of the year, the group said.
Guardian 25th Feb 2016 read more »