asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will provide in relation to the Government's White Paper The Way Forward, which was published on Thursday, 21st October, 1982 a breakdown of the spare plant capacity of the ESB in each of the years 1977 to 1981, indicating the level of supply and demand in each year upon which the calculations are made, together with similar figures for the years 1982 to 1987 on the basis of investment currently under way or in respect of which commitments have been entered into; and if he will state for each year the percentage by which electricity costs have been or are likely to be higher than if spare capacity had been kept to the minimum level consonant with security of supply, indicating what that level is.
Written Answers. - ESB Spare Plant Capacity.
Table 1 sets out for each of the years ended 31 March, 1977 to 1982 (1) total generating capacity, (2) peak demand, (3) the proportionate excess of total generating capacity over peak demand, (4) volume of sales and (5) year on year growth in volume of sales. Table 2 sets out the annual additions to plant capacity under present plans up to 1987. The measurement of actual spare capacity and its consequential cost is difficult and must have regard to an appropriate margin of capacity over projected demand in order to provide for routine maintenance, accidental outtages, availability of fuel as well as an element of security from fuel supply constraints.
As mentioned in paragraph 24 of the National Economic Plan (1983-1987), the Government are concerned about the cost to the consumer of both present and prospective levels of capacity. An examination of all ESB costs has been instituted with a view to reducing the present high levels of the ESB's borrowings. Obviously this review will have regard to whether, taking into account the factors mentioned above, overcapacity exists at present and, if so, what its level is and its cost in terms of operating and capital servicing; what can be done in terms of the reduction of total capacity (by, say, closing older, inefficient plant). It will be appreciated, therefore, that the particular data sought by the Deputy is not available.
In regard to electricity prices generally, the Government have decided that a review should be conducted into the reasons for high electricity prices. The terms of reference of this review, and the composition of the review group, are at present being settled.
Following are the tables referred to.
Table 1.
|
Year ended 31 March |
Total generating capacity (MW) |
Peak demand (MW) |
Proportionate excess of (2) over (3) |
Sales (million units) |
Annual growth of sales (%) |
|
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
|
1977 |
2,290 |
1,634 |
40% |
6,783 |
|
|
1978 |
2,540 |
1,802 |
41% |
7,330 |
+8.1 |
|
1979 |
2,895 |
1,934 |
50% |
7,965 |
+8.7 |
|
1980 |
2,862 |
1,971 |
45% |
8,560 |
+7.5 |
|
1981 |
3,117 |
1,892 |
65% |
8,365 |
-2.3 |
|
1982 |
3,287 |
1,999 |
64% |
8,662 |
+3.6* |
Source: ESB Annual Reports.
* This relates to a 53 week period. There was an increase of 1.6% based on a 52 week year.
Table 2.
|
Year ended 31 March |
Planned additions to total generating capacity (MW) |
|
1983 |
268 |
|
1984 |
145 |
|
1985 |
— |
|
1986 |
300 |
|
1987 |
300 |