Scotland having £100 million surplus energy fund

Brian Wilson, an ex-energy minister of UK, has claimed that Scotland’s renewable energy projects have amassed £100 million excess funds while Scottish people are struggling with high energy bills.

The excess funds are a result of high energy bills. In 1989, a fund was started by Scottish consumers under Scottish Renewables Obligation or SRO. The fund was initiated to support renewable energy projects setup in Scotland. Rising electricity prices have put the fund into surplus.

According to Brian Wilson, energy regulator, Ofgem, is holding the fund. It is up to the Scottish government to put its political will behind the issue and extract the fund for its people. Scottish government has been willing to pick fights with UK government on other funding issues. Here is a fund which is rightfully theirs and the time is now.

Scotland’s energy minister, Jim Mather, has denied Brian Wilson’s claims, adding that talks are underway with UK government about the issue. A spokesperson for Scottish government clarified that even if such a surplus fund was made available to Scotland now, Treasury will reduce the amount from Scotland’s block grant.

While responding to Brian Wilson’s allegations Jim Mather used the opportunity to proclaim that Scotland will be exceeding its renewable energy targets.

Scotland has set the target of generating 31% of its electricity requirement through renewable energy sources by 2011. With 5.3GW renewable energy projects either already in operation or cleared for planning, the targeted energy figure will be achieved ahead of the deadline.

Please visit www.ofgem.gov.co.uk for more