New figures show that a major upgrade of the power transmission network in the north of Scotland, which will help unlock Orkney's huge renewable energy potential, can be achieved at an average annual cost of just 92p for electricity consumers.

In response, Orkney Islands Council and OREF, the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum, are calling for immediate action to remove the logjam blocking investment in new power infrastructure for the north of Scotland.

"We've been working with others for some time to secure this badly needed investment - including a new seabed transmission cable linking Orkney to the Scottish mainland," said Councillor Ian Johnstone, Chairman of OIC's Development and Regeneration Committee.

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"The fear of unnecessary cost to consumers is hampering this process – which is frustrating as we now know the investment would add less than £1 each year to the average electricity bill.

"It seems a very small price to pay when you consider the recent decision by one of the major utilities to increase the price of electricity by 10% - which for consumers will add £42 to the average annual bill."

Neil Kermode, Managing Director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), a member company of OREF, said: "We don't need to be locked into this fossil fuel dependency.

"When the cable comes it will allow the export of the huge amounts of renewable energy we know Orkney can produce.

"With the Council, we are calling on the Government, the energy regulator Ofgem, the National Grid, and SSE to fire the starting gun and get these vital transmission projects underway."

(CD)