NATIONAL GRID FIGURES DEMOLISH CASE FOR TRANSMISSION CHARGES

National Grid figures showing that a power station in Lands’ End would expect to be subsidised for its electricity have blown a hole in attempts to claim that current transmission charges reflect proximity to population centres.

The latest transmission charges that will come into effect in April show that a power station located at Lands’ End would receive the maximum subsidy of £5.80 per KW while Longannet faces charges of £17.15 per KW. This is despite the fact that Cornwall’s entire population is under 500,000 and Lands’ End is 316 miles away from London. In contrast, Longannet is in the central belt of Scotland and is 421 miles away from London.

Scottish Power has made clear that the burden of transmission charges are disadvantaging Scotland and that Longannet’s future will depend on whether a deal can be reached with the National Grid.

Commenting, SNP candidate for Dunfermline and West Fife Douglas Chapman said:

“Supporters of the current transmission charging regime – introduced by Labour – often attempt to justify it by claiming it is to encourage power suppliers to generate close to population centres, and London in particular.

“But these figures make an absolute mockery of that claim. While Longannet is forced to pay a heavy price for the electricity it contributes to the grid, an identical station in rural Cornwall would be receiving a subsidy.

“It makes absolutely no sense and just underlines that there is no logic to the current arrangements that threaten Longannet with closure.

“The unfair transmission charging system threatens jobs at Longannet and the long-term development of Scotland’s energy sector. It cannot continue.

“A strong team of SNP MPs elected on May 7 will make Scotland’s voice heard like never before and will work tirelessly to deliver a fairer energy market that will allow Scotland’s energy potential to flourish.”

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