Scot Lib Dems attack SNP for denying communities energy windfall

The Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Edinburgh has today backed a motion from Orkney & Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael which criticises underwhelming Scottish Government plans for community benefit from renewable energy developments published this week and calls for changes so local people get much more of the money companies make from generating renewable energy near them.

The SNP Government announced on 18th February that it proposes only increased the recommended rate from just £5,000 to £6000 per MW per year. This does not keep pace with inflation, doesn't reflect the rise in electricity prices, and falls short of the expectations of communities and people struggling with fuel poverty.

Commenting after the motion passed, Alistair Carmichael MP said:

"Communities like Shetland have been at the forefront of the development of these projects but they have not reaped the benefit. They don't want to see any more development unless there is a mechanism for taking money off people's bills.

"The SNP need to acknowledge that the previous system was unfair. If they don't it risks undermining trust and consent among the communities who play host to renewables developments.

"If we don't act on this, it risks pushing people into the arms of Reform and other climate change deniers."