RWE boss warns over nuclear plant subsidies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/feb/20/rwe-npower-nuclear-subsidies-warning
RWE boss warns over nuclear plant subsidies
CEO's concern that consumers could face 'unnecessarily high bills' comes as industry staff are seconded to ministries
Terry Macalister and Richard Cookson
The Guardian, Wednesday 20 February 2013 14.22 EST
RWE npower, one of the big six power suppliers, has warned ministers not to seal a long-term subsidy deal with the nuclear industry behind the backs of consumers and saddle them with "unnecessarily high bills" for the next 40 years.
The warning from Paul Massara, RWE UK's new chief executive, comes as the Guardian can reveal that up to 15 private sector executives with links to the atomic sector have been seconded to government departments or other public sector roles.
"We are very concerned that decisions currently being taken around guaranteed revenue from new nuclear power stations in return for their delivery could force the next three generations of British consumers to pay an unexpected and perhaps unnecessarily high bill for the next 40 years, especially given the track record of delivery of nuclear power stations," said Massara.
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A Freedom of Information request undertaken by the campaign group, NuclearSpin.org, showed at least 15 people working for the nuclear energy industry or its consultants have been seconded to areas responsible for policy or regulation, some being paid for by the taxpayer.
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