Friday 3 July 2015

SNP group campaign for cost price electricity gets a boost from Ofgem

The Western Isles council SNP group were encouraged last week when Ofgem verified their view that local authorities can offer cost-price electricity to the local market.

The group have long since been advocates of using the huge potential of renewable energy to radically lower electricity prices for every home in the Outer Hebrides. Councillor Gordon Murray stated “We are in a situation where we have the worst fuel poverty levels in Western Europe. 71% of homes are in fuel poverty and yet we have the best renewable energy on the planet according to a council report earlier. Surely our council can meet the needs of the local economy who are suffering due to  the high energy prices. We will continue to press for cost-price electricity and ensure this addresses our shocking fuel poverty issues.”

In an email to Councillor Murray, Ofgem stated “There are no fundamental barriers to local authorities supplying electricity at cost. We have some insights from other local authorities exploring this route across Great Britain.@

Ofgem have extended an invitation to the Comhairle to discuss.

Councillor Murray added “ I am surprised that this option has not been fully explored by the Comhairle over the years and when I asked at full council on Wednesday 24th June if the council could look at this, the Chair of Sustainable development and newly appointed director of the Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company, Councillor Alasdair Macleod, failed  to give an answer claiming the Convenor, Councillor Norman Macdonald intervened without giving him a chance to respond.”

“In an email exchange, I asked Councillor Alasdair Macleod again if he would commit to exploring this option fully with advice and guidance from Ofgem and have had no response.”