ENERGY SECURITY: HARVIE BACKS CALL FOR DEMAND-REDUCTION PLAN
Patrick Harvie MSP, Economy and Energy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (26 Oct) welcomed the findings of a parliamentary inquiry into energy security, including the call for Scottish ministers to prioritise a demand reduction strategy.
The report, by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee of which Mr Harvie is a member, highlights:
-Energy efficiency programmes that are due to be devolved - a measure which Scottish Greens successfully argued for during the post-referendum Smith Commission.
-Energy efficient housing - a consistent priority from Green MSPs, which Scottish ministers now say will become a national infrastructure investment.
-An invitation for UK Energy Secretary Amber Rudd to give evidence to the committee to explain the impact of UK Government policies such as the early scrapping of onshore wind subsidies - an issue Mr Harvie urged the committee to investigate in August.
Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow, said:
"This substantial report makes clear the opportunity we have in Scotland to play our part in an interconnected sustainable energy system across the UK and across Europe. Reducing demand for energy is crucial if we are to cut our climate emissions, tackle fuel poverty and create jobs. I hope Scottish ministers acknowledge that on this issue they need to pick up the pace.
"The report highlights the benefits to our energy system by focusing on energy efficient housing and community-owned renewables. It's also important that we have on record the fact that we are not minutes away from blackout as proponents of unconventional gas and nuclear would have us believe. Scotland is undoubtedly heading in a greener direction but we need to keep our ambition on track."