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utIlIty WEEK | 18th - 24th July 2014 | 5 The European Commission has quizzed the UK on its decision to allow the con- struction of the Pembroke power station to go ahead, saying it breaches water quality standards. The 2,000MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) in Wales, which was developed by RWE at a cost of £1 billion, was officially opened in September 2012. However, the Commission said the use of the cooling system, which returns "warm water with a heavy biocide load" into the protected Milford Haven waterway, breaches environmental standards. In its "reasoned opinion", sent to the UK, the Commission stated "it does not appear to have been the case" that all the potential environmental impacts were assessed. It claimed the development and construction consents, as well as a water abstraction licence and a permit for the dredging the cooling system intake and outflow, were granted "before the full envi- ronmental assessments were completed". An RWE Generation UK statement said "this is a matter for the UK govern- ment" but that it would continue to provide any information as required. It added that planning consent was granted in February 2009 "after a thorough and robust determination process". A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesperson said: "We are care- fully considering the reasoned opinion." WAtER Energy minister Michael Fallon has left the Department of Energy and Climate Change for a job as defence secretary, in this week's wide-ranging reshuffle. Environment secretary Owen Paterson was shuffled out, while climate change minister Greg Barker stood down. See page 13. EU: Pembroke breaches standards 99.97% the quality of drinking water in England and Wales has edged towards 100 per cent compliance with Eu and national standards, according to the DWI "This poll shows that anti-onshore wind policy is a clear vote- loser, with voters turned off by anti-onshore rhetoric" Chief executive of Renewable UK, Maria McCaffery, on the results of a recent poll "This undermines what the solar industry has achieved so far and risks holding back solar's potential" The Solar Trade Association says estimates published by National Grid in its future energy scenarios fall far below other estimates and need to be revised 600,000 Of the 1.5 million customers who switched energy supplier in the first six months of the year, 600,000 opted for small providers, latest switching figures show "In a competitive market, organisations with better customer service are much better placed to retain and win customers" Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service Photo: Press Association