Green energy targets to be set by UK

Published on 28/01/2013 00:54

THE UK government would continue to control the subsidy levels for windfarms and other renewables if Scots back independence, it has emerged.

The energy bill going through Westminster will give the Scottish Government only a consultative role over setting the subsidies.

This would put Scotland’s target to produce all the country’s electricity from renewables by the end of the decade in London’s control.

There are no plans to reverse this after 2014 if Scotland votes for independence, it emerged yesterday.

The Scottish Government says it will bring mutual benefits for customers, but it has been seen as attempt by the SNP administration to counter opposition claims that energy bills could soar under independence to subsidise a “renewables revolution”.

The SNP has faced criticism that plans to keep the pound let the Bank of England set base rates after independence.