Poll proves households unwilling to pay more for renewable energy

A poll commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has found that around two-thirds of householders would refuse to pay pay more for energy if prices were hiked as a result of renewable energy costs.

It also found that 63% of respondents believed that the Government should not close nuclear power plants if it meant having to import energy to replace it.

The report also stated that abandoning nuclear power would force Scotland to import power from non-renewable sources in England and Northern Ireland and that a reliance on wind power would lead to blackouts when the wind doesn't blow.

Annabel Goldie said:

"Today at FMQs I questioned the Deputy First Minister on the report by Citigroup that stated that households face a near £900 hike in their bills should Scotland become independent. This poll shows that these households quite rightly will not accept this unacceptable burden as they are not willing to foot the bill for Scottish renewable subsidies.

"While the pursuit of gaining more of our energy from renewable sources is a noble aim, it is only viable if Scotland remains as a part of the UK. Without the subsidies that are shared across the UK, Scotland will have to foot the bill. So either households will be forced to foot a bill that they will not support, or the Scottish Government will have to raise taxes.

"The report refutes the claims from Nicola Sturgeon that Scotland would export energy, stating that Scotland would in fact be forced to import energy.

"It raises serious questions again about the practicality of the SNP's energy policy in a separated Scotland. We have consistently criticised it for being blinkered, short sighted and failing to provide Scotland with the balanced energy policy it needs. These statistics bear this analysis out."

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