Controversial government plan involves consumers footing bill to guarantee nuclear, coal and gas plants will help plug future energy shortages
EDF, one of the UK’s big six energy suppliers, could be in line for a £1bn windfall each year for three years from its existing coal and nuclear power stations under a controversial government-designed auction which starts on Tuesday.
The scheme has come under considerable criticism because the costs of the new subsidies will be met by consumers paying higher electricity bills, with an estimated extra charge of £14 a year. It has also been attacked by one of the industry’s most respected figures, while UK ministers face a legal challenge in the European courts.