Scotland's Economy

The Electricity and Gas Networks Vision Statement follows extensive engagement with stakeholders including consumer representatives, Scotland’s electricity and gas network businesses and the energy regulator Ofgem.

The Statement:

• Underlines the need for our electricity and gas network design to be consistent with our desire to reduce fuel poverty
• Highlights the potential for these networks to support our low carbon ambitions while meeting the challenge of maintaining secure and affordable supplies of energy
• Acknowledges the complex and technical challenges to be addressed, and the need for greater collaboration and innovation

Speaking at the Scottish Renewables conference in Glasgow, Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse outlined the vision.

He said: “Our electricity and gas networks are instrumental in delivering an essential service to consumers and businesses as well as access to affordable, reliable and increasingly decarbonised energy.

“This vision takes the same whole system view as Scotland’s Energy Strategy and highlights the range of complex challenges that need to be met and the opportunities that exist.

“The Scottish Government will hold a major summit later this year to discuss these issues and will set up a group of consumer and industry voices to discuss the complex challenges and opportunities which the decarbonisation of our networks will continue to create.

“I would encourage all key stakeholders to engage positively with the vision as we seek to create an energy system fit for the decades ahead.”

Colin Nicol, Managing Director of Networks at SSE, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s vision for Scotland’s electricity and gas networks and in particular, the recognition that energy networks are critical to the delivery of Scotland’s Energy strategy and climate change ambitions; delivering affordable, reliable and increasingly low carbon energy across Scotland.

“As we continue to deliver the transition to a low carbon economy, with an increasing focus on heat and transport, we support and share the Scottish Government’s commitment to a whole system approach, which will be essential in achieving the energy transition required to further decarbonise our economy at an affordable cost to consumers.”

Frank Mitchell, CEO SP Energy Networks, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement and are ready to help the Scottish Government realise their vision quicker whilst ensuring all our customers benefit from this energy transition.”

Jamie Stewart, Energy Policy Manager at Citizens Advice Scotland, said:

“We strongly support the recognition in the Networks Vision that the transition to a decarbonised energy system must be inclusive. We believe the appropriate advice and support will be needed for all households and businesses – especially for those who are currently less able to engage.

“With ever more players involved in the energy system in Scotland, we also welcome the recognition in the vision that consumer protection and representation is essential, and Citizens Advice Scotland intends to undertake advocacy to ensure the consumer voice is heard throughout this process.”

Read the Electricity and Gas Networks Vision Statement