Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary said: "The energy industry must invest in capacity, infrastructure, skills and workforce renewal to meet the UK's energy needs over the coming decades.

"Companies need stability to invest but they also need to be transparent so that customers can be confident that they are receiving value for money.

"An informed debate on the challenges facing the industry is long overdue. This green paper is an important contribution towards that. But, inevitably the devil will be in the detail.

"However, the commitment to increased transparency is welcome, as is recognition of the need to provide confidence, through the Contract for Difference mechanism, to encourage the long-term investment needed for nuclear new build and low carbon generation."

Prospect is not affiliated or aligned to any political party.