ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the elements of uncertainty facing the industry, but rather adopts as a starting point the likely consequences of decisions already made and trends and developments already becoming evident. It discusses the three possible patterns of locational choice for new nuclear power stations, subject to the constraints of inter-regional electricity balances and the capacity of the present distribution network. New nuclear power stations offer both advantages and disadvantages to the industry. The electricity supply industry in England and Wales hopes, in the mid-1990s, to embark upon a new programme of nuclear power station construction. A major constraint upon locational freedom is the capacity of the distribution network, which will be under considerable pressure if present trends continue. A major tool in planning and organising the supply side is the merit order, a ranking of power stations by operating costs.
