A transmission charging hearing was held in the European Parliament this week where the case for fair rates for Island areas was made.
The hearing was chaired by Scottish MEP Alyn Smith.
Article 16.7 of the European Union’s Renewables Directive makes it illegal for electricity transmission costs in Member States to discriminate against electricity from renewable energy sources, including in particular where it’s produced in peripheral regions such as islands.
Evidence was presented suggesting that the UK is in breach of this Directive.
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s Leader, Angus Campbell, said “A robust case was made.
We highlighted the serious disadvantage which the Scottish islands face in trying to develop renewables industries against the backdrop of the most expensive transmission charging estimates anywhere in Europe.
We have to continue to make the case and we have not ruled out legal action on the grounds of discrimination against Island areas”.
Aaron Priest, from Shetland, highlighted the fact that transmission charging estimates for Shetland’s proposed connection to the UK’s electricity grid were more than four hundred times those that could be expected by a similar project located in the South East of England.
The European Commission told the meeting that, whilst it didn’t believe that there was scope for a legal challenge for non-compliance with the above Directive, it did recognise a strong political need for the UK to take action on this matter.
National Grid recognised that there were serious issues in respect of island transmission charges and promised that a consultation on island charging is to be presented “within days.”
This week’s meeting brought together representatives from the Highlands and Islands, the Scottish and European renewables industry, the European Commission and the UK and Scottish Governments. Ofgem and National Grid, who are responsible for the UK’s transmission charging system, also had senior management there to defend their position.
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