Wednesday 11 October 2017

Scotland to set up state-owned renewable supplier

The Scottish Government is to set up a publicly-owned, not-for-profit renewable energy company.

That's according to Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), who said the supplier would be set up by 2021 to sell energy to customers as the lowest possible price.

She suggested the move would give vulnerable consumers more options and help them avoid fuel poverty.

She said: "No shareholders to worry about. No corporate bonuses to consider. It would give people - particularly those on low incomes - more choice and the option of a supplier whose only job is to secure the lowest price for consumers."

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, added: "A publicly-owned energy company could play an important part in adding value to existing support schemes and addressing specific market failures.

"This could, for example, include being a one-stop-shop or gateway to accessing public funds, helping communities navigate this often complex and confusing landscape."