UK taxpayers could fund nuclear bailouts

05.04.11

A legal loophole could allow the UK government to offer taxpayer-funded guarantees to nuclear power stations. A clause in the new energy bill, currently going through parliament, means that nuclear power companies could be eligible for bailouts.

The clause allows the secretary of state to publicly agree with nuclear power companies on how much they will spend on certain listed items.

However if unexpected situations arise, such as a need for new safety measures, the government cannot change these agreements. The cost of making these unexpected changes would be paid for by the taxpayer.

To read the full Guardian story, click here.