the power station was opened on 21 april 1955 by lord fortescue. the station had a net capability to deliver 170 mw of electricity. the steam boilers could deliver 253 kg/s of steam at 42.7 bar and 468°c. in the year ending 31 march 1981 the station delivered 3.1 gwh of electricity, just 0.2 per cent of its capability. in march 1984, it was announced by the central electricity generating board that the power station would close by the end of october that year.