SNP CALLS FOR END TO “DAFT AND DISCRIMINATORY” TRANSMISSION ENERGY CHARGES.

SNP CALLS FOR END TO “DAFT AND DISCRIMINATORY” TRANSMISSION ENERGY CHARGES.

SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has rounded on the discriminatory transmission charging regime which is forcing energy firms in Scotland to pay £150m to supply the National Grid - while companies based in England have received subsidies of £100m.

Firms are charged according to the maximum amount of energy that can be produced at each plant – and figures compiled by ScottishPower reveal that, on average, energy providers in English counties such as Devon and Cornwall are paid almost £9 for every kilowatt of electricity, while in Scotland energy providers are charged almost £14 per kW with the fee rising to £22 in the Highlands.

Mr Weir said:

"Transmission and locational charges are penalising energy providers in Scotland, and this daft and discriminatory regime needs to end.

”It makes no sense to hammer generators because of their location. No other country in Europe operates such a ridiculous scheme, and it is about time there was a level playing field for energy firms in Scotland.

”The current situation creates uncertainty for investment, and seriously undermines renewables projects.

”The UK Government need to raise their sights beyond their obsession with nuclear power, and look at how these unfair charges can be replaced with a fair and transparent charging regime.”