150 jobs at risk following Rugeley Power Station closure announcement

RUGELEY Power Station is to close as a result of the “deterioration in market conditions” for coal-fired power stations in the UK, its owner Engie has announced.

Some 150 jobs are at risk, but the firm said it would look for opportunities to redeploy staff.

Engie has entered into consultation with staff and a number of workers are expected to be kept on to support decommissioning and the redevelopment of the site. 

The 46-year-old station has been hit by a “continued fall in market prices” and increases in carbon costs, Engie said.

“Under such conditions, there is no prospect of the power station recovering its future operating costs”, a spokesman said.

The GMB union said the Government and energy suppliers should “think hard” about the consequences of closing the Staffordshire plant and eight other power stations this year and “learn lessons” from November when “National Grid had to invoke special measures to keep the lights on”.

Amanda Milling, MP for Cannock Chase said: “Today’s announcement by Engie is really disappointing and a major blow to the Rugeley community and, most particularly, the 150 people that work at Rugeley B.

“My top and immediate priority is to provide support for the power station’s employees and their families, ensuring these workers get all the support and assistance that they need at this very difficult time.”

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