Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many spare (a) generator step-up transformers and (b) transmission transformers are held in the UK. [193422]

Michael Fallon, Minister of State for Business and Energy: Electricity generation in the U.K. is privatised and the decisions on spare step-up transformers are for the individual generator businesses. Electricity transmission operations in the UK are private, regulated businesses. Decisions on spare transmission connected transformers are matters for the transmission businesses, to meet the licence conditions under which they operate; they form an important component in the provision of reliability of supply. The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not hold data on generator step-up transformer or transmission connected transformer quantities held as spares by industry.

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which companies manufacture (a) generator step-up transformers and (b) transmission transformers in the UK. [193423]

Michael Fallon, Minister of State for Business and Energy: The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not hold comprehensive data on generator step-up and transmission connected transformer manufacturers in the U.K. The transformers used in the privatised electricity industry are sourced from manufacturers such as Alstom Grid based in Staffordshire, among others in the UK and globally.

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