National Grid considers reduction in Scottish wind energy transmission charges

National Grid is developing a new pricing model that could halve the transmission costs paid by generators of wind energy in Scotland.

There have long been complaints that wind energy generated in Scotland suffers from indiscrimate overcharging. The current system can cost generators in more remote regions as much as £20 per KW to distribute power through the grid. By contrast, windfarms in southern England can benefit from subsidies of up to £8 per KW.

However, National Grid now states the connection charges can be reduced in Scotland because wind generation is not constant and does not require the level of infrastructure or built in redundancy as transmission other convention forms of electricity generation.

Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather commented: "We want a system of charging for connection to - and use of - the electricity grid that is equitable and helps connect Scotland's vast renewable enrgy potential to electricity grids in the UK and Europe.

Should the plan be introduced it will make previously marginal proposed wind farm developments more commercially viable and lead to an expansion in green energy produced from wind in Scotland.