The UK government is proposing changes to the capacity market in a bid to boost the security and reliability of electricity supply.
DECC said a “detailed review” prompted plans to bring forward the mechanism by one year to January 2017 for delivery in winter 2017-18.
There will also be tougher penalties on companies that fail to deliver capacity market contracts.
DECC said the reforms will encourage more investment in the UK energy system, in particular new gas-fired power stations. Steps are also being taken to see “what further action” can be taken to curb on diesel-fired generation.
Energy Secretary Amber Rudd (pictured) said: “We are sending a clear signal to investors that will encourage the secure and clean energy sources we need to come forward, such as gas and interconnectors, as part of our long-term plan to build a system of energy infrastructure fit the 21st century”.
Image: DECC
