Nuclear power subsidies 'could add £70 to annual household energy bills' Writing in the Daily Telegraph on Monday, Mr Marchant calculates that the price should be nearer £65/MWh, based on estimates EDF published in 2008, and on independent estimates produced last year for the Government. "We will all end up bearing the cost of the opaque negotiations going on between Whitehall and Paris," he warns. Mr Marchant adds: "As a country we should walk away at anything over £90/MWh, if not less." The huge cost estimates surrounding EDF's nuclear plans - with some putting the price of Hinkley Point at as much as £14bn - have alarmed even pro-nuclear lobby groups. The Supporters of Nuclear Energy (SONE) group wrote to the Government this month urging it to block any price deal "unless and until you are absolutely satisfied the nation is getting value for money." EDF is seeking new partners to help share the cost of the project and is thought to be in talks with Chinese state nuclear corporations, with a near-30pc stake in the project said to be on offer. British Gas owner Centrica has an option for a 20pc stake in the new nuclear plants but is thought to be concerned about the risk of cost overruns. The first two new plants built with the 'EPR" technology to be used in Hinkley Point have both seen major delays and spiralling pricetags. Last week, Alain-Pierre Raynaud, UK chairman of the EPR's manufacturer Areva, insisted the two most recent EPR plants were on time and on budget and that Areva was now "in a position to bring a lot of certainty in the execution of the nuclear programme." But, despite the apparent confidence in its capabilities, Mr Raynaud said Areva would not necessarily agree a fixed-price contract to shield EDF or consumers from any cost overruns. "There is no specificity in terms of contract," he told the Daily Telegraph. Depending on the case we have a lot of solutions. It is not yet finalised. The contract with Areva is likely to be the biggest single cost component of the nuclear project.