I welcome today's commitment to establish an Energy Plan for the Outer Hebrides.
The formation of such a plan will allow exploration of different methods of energy generation, provide a platform for the establishment of an Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company and look at developing local partnerships to realise energy savings and efficiencies for the communities of the Western Isles.
The benefits of these could mean the eradication of fuel poverty for every household in the islands, remove the dependence on imported energy and attract new businesses to the islands by offering reduced energy costs. It could also create local jobs in the energy sector and continue the growth of renewable energy research and development in the Lews Castle college.
Gordon Murray, Stornoway North SNP Councillor
A journal written by the SNP opposition group on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
