OFGEM REPORT PAINTS ‘FRIGHTENING PICTURE’

OFGEM REPORT PAINTS ‘FRIGHTENING PICTURE’

TRANSMISSION REGIME MUST BE OVERHAULED

Commenting on the publication of the Project Discovery conclusions by Ofgem today (Wednesday), SNP Energy Spokesman, Mike Weir MP said:

“This report paints a frightening picture of the scenario we could face unless urgent action is taken and significant investment in made in our energy infrastructure.

“Scotland’s renewable energy potential is ten times our actual need and this vital resource must be developed without delay if we’re to keep the lights on.

“The UK Government must undertake a massive overhaul of the outdated transmission regime immediately.

“The current system was developed for a grid where the power came from big coal, gas and nuclear stations which were often nearer the centres of population. It is not fit for a new century of energy production.”

Mr Weir added:

“It’s rather strange that – twenty years after the break up and privatisation of the energy companies - Ofgem are proposing a return to centralisation as a way of solving the problems the energy industry faces today.”