Government plans a top-up Capacity Market auction in summer 2019
The UK government is planning T-1 top-up auction during summer 2019, for delivery in winter 2019/20.
Any agreements will be conditional on the outcome of the Commission’s formal investigation into the UK Capacity Market scheme, which was suspended last month.
The government also restated that it is ‘working closely’ with the European Commission to ensure a quick investigation.
In a statement, the UK government said:
“The Court did not find the design of the GB CM to be incompatible with State aid guidelines. As such, we are exploring together with the Commission the most rapid and effective path to conduct the formal investigation into the scheme in a way that meets all process requirements referred to in the judgment. The Commission envisages issuing an Opening Decision to open the formal investigation in early 2019. Subsequently, third parties will be able to submit comments on the decision.”
In the meantime, National Grid is continuing to operate the Capacity Market scheme, with payments deferred until after the standstill period (subject to State aid clearance).
Read the full government statement here.