OFGEM INDIFFERENCE TO RENEWABLE ENERGY ACKNOWLEDGED BY GOVERNMENT

Mike Weir MP, SNP Spokesperson on Energy, welcomed an acknowledgement by the Government of the importance of renewable energy following reports in the Scottish press that the former Energy Minister, Brian Wilson, had criticised OFGEM's attitude towards the new sources of energy.

Mr Weir asked the Leader of the House:

"The Leader of the House may not yet have had an opportunity to read this morning's Herald newspaper but if he had he would see that the former Minister of Energy has raised concerns about OFGEM's attitude to renewable energy - the Headline is "OFGEM could stem Energy flow". Can we have a debate on the role of OFGEM in renewable since many share the concerns that OFGEM's policies are undermining renewable energy resources."

In response the Leader of the House acknowledged the importance of the issue and said that opportunities to further raise this issue would be available in the weeks and months to come.

Mr Weir said:

"Brian Wilson is quite right to point out that the prospects for wave and tidal energy could be "still-born" unless there is joined-up action from the like of OFGEM.

"Scotland has a huge potential for renewable energy, yet that potential is being endangered by the ridiculous system of transmission charges dreamt up by OFGEM. The SNP has always believed that this must be tackled as a matter of urgency.

"It would be ridiculous that the most efficient form of production in the North of Scotland be charged over £20 per kW to put energy on the grid, while generators in London would get a subsidy of £8 per kW.

"I welcome Brian Wilson's intervention in this matter and the acknowledgement from the Leader of the House that it is a serious issue that should be debated in the near future."