Transmission charge review will include Shetland and Orkney – MP

Ministers will consider capping renewable energy transmission charges for Shetland and Orkney and not just the Outer Hebrides, according to isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

He has received assurances from energy minister Charles Hendry that the ongoing review of the current charging regime will include the Northern Isles after council officials raised the issue with him following a comment from the minister that he was considering introducing a cap for the Western Isles.

Mr Carmichael said: “Many firms operating in Orkney and Shetland were keen to get clarification that the energy minister’s comments on the possibility of the introducing a cap on transmission charges would benefit the Northern Isles as well as the Western Isles.

“The current transmission charges regime is one of the most significant blocks to the development of the renewable energy industry in Orkney and Shetland.

“A cap on charges is something that I believe would make real difference and I am pleased that the department of energy and climate change has now confirmed that the case for the Northern Isles will be properly considered.”