11 December 2002 - The UK's smaller power generators are being offered tailored advice from power and gas regulator Ofgem through a new website launched Monday. The microsite gives smaller generators factual information on how the electricity trading arrangements work and received the endorsement of Energy Minister Brian Wilson.

Ofgem Chief Executive, Callum McCarthy, said, "The website will prove useful for any generator, which wishes to trade electricity. The site covers everything a generator needs to know about, metering, charges and the administration of the trading arrangements."

Wilson said,"This help facility should be welcomed as an invaluable tool for smaller generators. "

The site groups the relevant documents and regulations together in an easily accessible format and provide smaller generators with links to other organisations involved in the electricity market.

The smaller generators microsite can be found under the Neta section on the Ofgem website homepage at www.Ofgem.gov.uk or on the following address: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/smallergen/index_sg.htm

Meanwhile Wilson raised the prospect of modifications to Neta when addressing members of the Trade and Industry select committee yesterday. He accepted that the system has contributed to the problems of Britains nuclear power generator British Energy. "Neta is no perfect mechanism and that is reflected in the fact that changes are planned for Neta," Wilson said.

But the minister backed nuclear energy as a future energy source saying that the three criteria of affordability, security of supply and environmental obligations would decide any decision on its future. "I certainly think that the problems of British Energy has not shown that nuclear power is hopelessly and endemically uneconomical," he said.