Scottish Government calls for closer links to Europe to reduce energy bills

The Scottish Government has called for closer co-operation with Europe to help to reduce energy bills and boost investment.

Ahead of UK government talks with the EU, a report has been published by the Scottish Government highlighting opportunities to more closely align with the EU on energy matters.

The opportunities include accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers and linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade.

Estimates coming from the UK energy industry have predicted that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in 2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.

Acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Gillian Martin said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.

“The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU. But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in renewables.

“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions - driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.

“We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”