In determining the effect of the supply of electricity from the proposed nuclear plant on tariffs, it is necessary to look at the cost charged to CLP's consumers for electricity generated in the entire system. If the nuclear option is not taken up then additional non-nuclear generating capacity in Hong Kong will have to be provided. The cost of constructing such capacity is ultimately met by consumers through tariffs agreed under the scheme of control. If the nuclear option is taken up then the cost of purchases by CLP would be included as an operating expense and also reflected in tariffs to consumers.
24
The nuclear station would begin generating electricty in 1988 and would reach its assumed average annual output of 65% of capacity in 1992 and remain at that level until 2008. Because of the increase in forecast total demand by CLP consumers, the proportion of total demand met from nuclear generation will gradually decline to as low as about 6% :
Year
Total sales
forecast
Units available from nuclear station as percentage of total
GWh
%
1988
16,600
10
1989
17,900
24
1990
19,300
30
1991
20,400
33
1992
22,000
32
1995
27,400
24
2000
39,700
15
2008
71,900
6
and thus the impact of any price advantage arising from nuclear power would progressively diminish.
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