THE European Commission, which is investigating whether EU state aid rules were breached during the agreement for Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, says it expects to reach a decision next summer.

In October, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that a deal had been struck with French firm EDF Energy over the government-guaranteed price for new nuclear energy.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: "This announcement from the Commission is standard for large investment projects and was always part of the process for Hinkley.

“We will use this period to demonstrate how the project meets state aid rules and provides good value for consumers while cutting carbon in the energy sector."

EDF Energy said it was “looking forward to engaging fully with the Commission”.