Next generation of nuclear power could be funded through utilities bills

Despite the fact that nuclear power continues to split opinion as much as ever before, British households may face no choice but to stump up for a new generation of reactors, with the money being added onto their utilities bills.

That is according to new plans being considered by ministers keen to address the dual issue of the UK's over-reliance on overseas sources of power while cutting back on carbon emissions at the same time.

According to a report from the Guardian, which cites government sources, around £44 could be added to a typical electricity bill of £500 a year, thereby further increasing the incentive for consumers to shop around and switch utilities suppliers where possible.

This money would go towards making the UK nuclear power sector stronger and thereby more attractive to foreign companies looking to invest in it, such as E.ON and EDF.

As well as in consumer groups wary of the most vulnerable households being called on to fund the new generation of nuclear power stations, the development has already provoked unease among environmental groups.

Greenpeace UK's executive director John Sauven warned: "Now the likes of EDF Energy are getting cold feet over the cost of new nuclear stations, it looks like the government is trying to sweeten the deal with public money.

"This is despite saying categorically that any new reactors will have to survive without subsidy. Without huge financial support, nuclear power doesn't make economic sense. Even the big utilities now admit this."

This latest blow to utilities customers comes as newly-released figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change show that levels of fuel poverty across the UK continue to rise.

According to the official data, some 4.6 million homes now spend at least ten per cent of their income on heating and light and, while many could benefit from switching utilities suppliers, others are effectively being penalised for being unable to get online and sort out a better deal.

At the same time, the BBC has cited the Citizens Advice Bureau, which has witnessed a marked rise in the number of people seeking out professional help for their soaring fuel bills.

What's more, many elderly people and those struggling to cope with families and other money worries may not have time to seek support, meaning the situation could be a lot worse than currently believed.

On a brighter note, it is hoped that recently-introduced increases to the government's Warm Front grants, as well as its Cold Weather Payments schemes, will help ease the burden for many of the most vulnerable, though whether any benefit is felt before the winter really starts to kick in remains to be seen.