The Commons Public Accounts Committee has warned that households, not private investors, would carry almost all of the extra cost if the Sizewell C nuclear project overruns. In a report published on 28 October 2026, the committee called for six-monthly reports on costs, construction progress and forecast investor returns.

What the committee wants

The Suffolk project was approved for financing in July 2025, with the government taking a 44.9% stake alongside EDF, Centrica, La Caisse and Amber Infrastructure. It is forecast to cost up to £48bn, and the committee used a £47.7bn higher threshold to test what happens if costs climb.

Who pays if costs rise

At that threshold, the committee calculated that consumers could face almost £22bn in extra bills, while private investors would contribute only about £30m more. Committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said private investors look set for significant returns while customers are likely to face higher bills.

The scheme uses the regulated asset base model, under which customers pay a fee during construction and share the risk of cost rises. That differs from Hinkley Point C, which uses a contract-for-difference model. The committee's warning puts the balance of risk, rather than the project itself, at the centre of the debate.

Sources: Construction News and Energy Voice.