A BILL is to be put forward in the House of Commons today to “completely overhaul” the “mismanagement” of energy grid charges in Scotland.
SNP MP Alan Brown is calling for a review of the grid charging structure within the UK – which he said currently leaves Scotland subjected to the highest grid charges in Europe and therefore at a competitive disadvantage.
Scotland currently has 25% of Europe’s offshore wind capacity. However, grid charges implemented by the UK Government mean that Scottish windfarms are 20% more expensive than farms south of the Border.
Brown’s bill will seek to abolish locational charges altogether – a system that he said most countries within the EU already operate under.
Last month, a report by SSEN Transmission – part of Perth-based giant SSE – said that one of the “greatest challenges” facing renewables firms in the north of Scotland is the transmission charges they face.
READ MORE: Wee Ginger Dug: Tories are blowing up another anti-Yes argument as COP26 begins
The paper said there was a “strong case for review and reform” that has been said to disadvantage Scotland’s energy industry.
Brown said: “Under Tory rule, Scotland continues to be hammered – none more so than on electricity grid charges.
“While companies south of the Border are paid to connect to the grid, Scottish services are forced to pay, making their energy 20% more expensive. This has put Scotland at a competitive disadvantage for years and the Tories know that.
“Indeed, they are now building interconnectors that allow electricity to be imported from Europe without being subject to grid charges, creating further discrimination against Scottish projects.
READ MORE: SNP conference: Demand for open border with rUK after independence
“What my bill aims to do is not only review the current energy grid charges, and the mismanagement that has occurred, but to deliver a complete overhaul of the system.
“We need to plan for a grid of the future, supporting the best locations for renewable energy and not stick to a system of the past based on where to build coal fired power stations.
“For decades, energy decisions made at Westminster have been hammering Scotland’s energy sector.
“Their negligence and lack of understanding will inevitably lead to missed opportunities and, subsequently, cost jobs.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon demands PM reverses snub to carbon capture plant
“We have seen this with their failure to back the Scottish CCS Cluster and they are ignoring industry calls for ringfenced support for wave and tidal generation.
“Only with the full powers of independence can Scotland harness its full potential, lead the world in cutting carbon emissions and finally deliver a fairer, greener and more equal country.”
In September, a cross-party group of MPs said Scotland’s renewable energy sector is being held back by the UK grid charges.
The Scottish Affairs Committee convener at the time, Pete Wishart, said: “In 2019, over 97% of electricity consumed in Scotland was from renewable energy sources – Scottish developers must be incentivised, not disadvantaged.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel