WEIR SEIZES ON OFGEM ENERGY WARNING

WEIR SEIZES ON OFGEM ENERGY WARNING

SNP ROUND ON LABOUR DECADE OF DITHER

Commenting on Ofgem’s review of the energy market - which warns domestic energy bills could rise by 60% by 2016 - SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP rounded on the UK Government for dithering over the last decade on energy infrastructure investment.

Mr Weir also said the regulators report underlined the sense of the Scottish Government in driving forward investment in renewables – since May 2007 the SNP Government has determined 31 energy applications, including approval for 25 renewable projects - more determinations than over the whole of the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined.

Mr Weir said:

“Ofgem’s findings are a damning judgement on the UK Government’s record on energy investment. Like a rabbit caught in headlights Labour Ministers have dithered over the last decade, and now households and businesses face being thumped with rocketing bills.

“This report totally vindicates the Scottish Government in driving forward investment in renewables – making more determinations on energy applications over the last two years than the previous executive in its last four years of office.

“The difference between the UK Government, which has missed opportunities on Carbon Capture and been pre-occupied with new nuclear developments, contrast with the Scottish Government which has put renewables at the heart of Scotland's new economy and society, alongside carbon capture and greater energy efficiency, could not be more stark.

"Ofgem’s report is a further, strong argument for the full devolution of responsibility for energy, so that we can take the right decisions for the people of Scotland.

"Our agenda is clear - Scotland does not want or need new nuclear power. We have massive potential for alternative clean, green energy. The installed renewables generating capacity already exceeds that of nuclear. In 2006, overall electricity generation in Scotland increased by nearly a tenth, while electricity generated from nuclear power in Scotland decreased by a quarter.

"Scotland’s renewable energy potential is ten times our actual need. Through the further development of new technologies, like carbon capture and storage, we can build a low carbon future without having to deal with the legacy of toxic radioactive for thousands of years.”