Britain's National Audit Office revealed that electricity from the Sizewell C nuclear plant will cost consumers more than power from Hinkley Point, even though the Suffolk project requires 22% less construction spending. The pricing discrepancy stems from Hinkley Point's fixed-price contract that absorbs cost overruns, while borrowing costs have risen since Sizewell C's financing arrangements were set.

Electricity from Sizewell C is projected to cost £131-155 per megawatt hour, compared to £129 per MWh for Hinkley Point C. The Suffolk plant, using EDF nuclear reactor technology, will supply power for approximately six million homes over six decades. Despite government promises that Sizewell C would be cheaper than Hinkley, the watchdog's findings show consumers will pay a premium.

The project timeline has slipped to full operation by 2039, later than the previously promised mid-to-late 2030s target. Total costs could reach £67-83bn in real terms, with the government investing £3.8bn equity and £36.6bn debt. Households face rising bills of £4 initially, increasing to £19-21 annually during the first decade of production.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero argues Sizewell C will deliver £2bn annual savings across the energy system once operational. However, the cost revelations arrive amid growing scrutiny of nuclear projects following global budget overruns and the rapid advancement of renewable alternatives, challenging the government's nuclear expansion strategy.