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Four pence extra for interconnector good value says Isles MP

Angus MacNeil
Angus MacNeil

Constructing a 600MW interconnector to the Western Isles would cost consumers just four pence more per household per year than the 450MW option, the island MP has claimed.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil continues to engage with Ofgem, who recently announced it is minded-to position of favouring a 450MW link over a 600MW.

The interconnector will open up the Western Isles to sell wind turbine energy to the mainland.

As part of that engagement Mr MacNeil asked Ofgem for figures on what the two options would mean for household bills and learned that the 600MW would mean just four pence per household per year more than the 450MW option.

Mr MacNeil says favouring the smaller link would prevent the islands reaching their full renewables potential.

He said: “The figures I obtained from Ofgem show a 600MW link would add 43 pence to annual household bills and a 450MW would add 39 pence.

“It is clear that the 600MW option is much better value for money as it could boost the economy in a way the 450MW link could not.

“An extra four pence would allow a link which had room for current proposals and future development; the potential to create more jobs; and capacity for the islands to grow this sector. It would allow the islands to meet their full renewables potential in an area with the best wind resource in Europe.

“Ofgem’s figures do not take account of the fact that extra supply on the network would also lower prices for the consumer.

Ofgem are carrying out a consultation prior to a final decision and visited Lewis last week to meet developers and local agencies.