Ministers have welcomed cross sector support to end the system which results in Scottish electricity generators paying the highest grid charges in the UK.

ScottishPower, Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Renewables, CBI Scotland, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Trades Union Congress and IoD Scotland have today called for a review of the transmission charging system.

Parliament will tomorrow debate the issue and speaking ahead of the debate, Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotland has some of the greatest low carbon energy resources in Europe, yet the locational approach to charging electricity generators results in Scotland facing the highest charges in the UK. That makes no sense.

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"There is a clear and growing consensus in Scotland, as evidenced by the Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Committee report last year and by a wide range of industry and civic interests since, that the locational charging approach is a significant barrier to fulfilling our potential and delivering a more sustainable, low carbon energy mix.

"We have been leading work to change the transmission regime and have already made an alternative case. I welcome the cross sector support today from industry, utilities, business organisations and trades unions to change the system. That support is crucial as we call on Parliament to support us in securing change and maximising Scotland's resources for Scotland's benefit."

(GK)