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Call for action to help safeguard Longannet

Longannet Power Station.
Longannet Power Station.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Annabelle Ewing has urged energy minister Fergus Ewing to do everything in his power to ensure Westminster helps safeguard Longannet.

Last week it emerged 260 jobs were at risk as the future of the power station looked uncertain.

ScottishPower blamed the UK’s transmission charging regime, which penalises Scottish electricity generators when compared to those in the south of England.

In the case of Longannet, that amounted to additional charges of £40 million a year.

As a result the company has opted not to submit the plant, which supplies electricity for around two million people, into the UK Government’s auction to supply electricity for the winter of 2018-19, raising fears that it may close.

The issue has been raised by Ms Ewing, who said: “The UK Government’s unfair transmission charging regime is putting the 260 jobs at Longannet, as well as local supply contracts, at risk.”

Mr Ewing has already written to Energy Secretary Ed Davey, to seek urgent talks on Longannet and the wider implications for energy security.

He has also spoken to ScottishPower’s chief executive Neil Clitheroe “who stands ready to join the talks”.

“Given the capacity margin warnings for the coming year and the vital role that Longannet plays, and given than the 260 people who are directly employed at the plant will be looking for certainty, I urge Ed Davey to come to the table as soon as he can,” he said.

Ms Ewing added: “As the minister said, energy is, in essence, a reserved matter, so the ultimate responsibility for finding a solution to the uncertain future at Longannet rests squarely with the UK Government.

“However, I am pleased that he intends to work constructively with the UK Government to identify and deliver a solution sooner rather than later.”