EXPERT REPORT CONFIRMS OPPORTUNITIES OF INDEPENDENCE FOR SCOTLAND

The SNP has welcomed the findings of a new expert report which confirms that independence would give Scotland new powers to better tackle fuel poverty and high energy bills.

The report by the independent Expert Commission on Energy Regulation states that independence would allow Scotland to take a more radical approach to tackling fuel poverty – and highlighted opportunities to improve cost effectiveness and improve targeting of delivery to disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers.

This will be particularly welcome in Orkney, where fuel poverty is estimated at over 50%, or 75% for people over 60.

The Commission has also confirmed that after a Yes vote the continuation of a single energy market would be the best option both for Scotland and the rest of the UK – and has identified a number of successful examples of such arrangements from across Europe.

Commenting, SNP MSP Mike Mackenzie, a member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee said: “This substantial report highlights the opportunities of independence for Scotland – giving us the powers we need to take action against the scourge of fuel poverty and to tackle high energy costs for families across Scotland.

“After a Yes vote the Scottish Government plans to permanently cut £70 per year from household energy bills – just one example of how the powers of independence could be used to benefit people in Scotland.

“The Commission also makes absolutely clear that a strategic energy partnership between Scotland and the rest of the UK – such as those that operate successfully in Ireland, Scandinavia and Iberia – would be in the interests of both countries.

“Scotland has vast natural resources – offering secure supplies of electricity and gas.  After a Yes vote we can ensure that these resources are used to benefit people in Scotland – rather than being squandered by the Treasury in London.”

Yes Scotland has welcomed the independent Expert Commission on Energy Regulation’s report, describing it as ‘authoritative and sensible’.

Chief Executive Blair Jenkins said: “A Yes vote is about taking control of our own future and making our own decisions. We have always said that independence will be good not only for Scotland but also for the rest of the UK. Where we can sensibly and practically retain mutually beneficial arrangements, such as maintaining single markets in electricity and gas, of course, this is the best be the way to proceed.

“As the commission points out, combined regulation of single markets already successfully operates between independent countries in other parts of the EU.

“One of the priorities of any government in an independent Scotland will be to tackle the scourge of poverty, including fuel poverty, but only with a Yes vote will be gain all the tools we need to make this happen.”