The SNP has urged the two remaining Tory leadership candidates to urgently fix the rip off charges energy companies in Scotland pay to access the National Grid.
Scotland has the highest fees for companies to access the National Grid to export energy, pushing prices up for consumers during the worst cost of living crisis in living memory.
Companies are charged up to £7.36 per MwH just to access the grid to export Scotland’s vast energy resources.
That is the highest charge in Europe, with independent countries of a similar size to Scotland charged a fraction of that or nothing at all.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gillian Martin said:
“Scotland is being held back as a direct result of Westminster control, as has been demonstrated in the two papers produced by the Scottish Government.
“There is no better demonstration of that than the extortionate charges energy companies are facing to access the National Grid to export their products.
“Scotland is awash with energy resources and is set to be a powerhouse for renewables, but we are being continually held back by Westminster treating Scotland as its cash cow.
“Independent countries of a similar size to Scotland charge next to nothing for access to their grids, meaning consumers in Scotland are facing the brunt of extra charges when their bills land on their doorstep.
“During the worst cost of living crisis in recent memory the candidates for PM should be considering all options to reduce bills for households across the country and fixing the rip off grid charges is just one measure that can help reduce energy bills.
“This is another demonstration of how Westminster control is holding back Scotland and the only way we can unleash our full potential is with independence.”
