Published: Friday 20th May 2016 | 4.03pm
Cannock Chase Council has expressed their regret following the final confirmation by ENGIE that Rugeley power station will cease operations by the end of June 2016. This follows a period of consultation with employees and trade unions.
The closure is due to the deterioration in market conditions for UK coal-fired power generation. The policy context is the announcement in November 2015 of the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change of a policy proposal to close all unabated coal fired power stations by 2025.
Councillor George Adamson, Leader of the Council said “I am extremely disappointed to hear the final confirmation that Rugeley Power Station will close this summer. This is bad news for the workforce and the wider District. Not only will approximately 150 people lose their jobs, but this will also have consequences for frontline services provided by the District Council, as the power station currently pays approximately £4 million in business rates. The direct impact on Cannock Chase Council will be a shortfall of £1.055 million. I have written to the Government in February 2016 requesting that the Council is considered for transitional financial relief in these very unusual circumstances”.
Tony McGovern, Managing Director of the Council said “We have been in regular contact with Rugeley Power Station over many years and this final confirmation
is sad news for the District. Looking ahead, the important challenge is to continue to work closely with ENGIE and other key stakeholders as part of the Rugeley power station Taskforce to create a new and sustainable future for this 374 acre site.”