Electricity Transmission Charges

That the Parliament notes with concern what it considers to be the continued practice of levying higher transmission charges on electricity generators in the north of Scotland than those closer to London; understands that these charges, otherwise known as Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges, are a levy on electricity generators for the build out and maintenance of the electricity grid, and are based on distance from demand, a system that was designed to encourage the building of gas- and coal-powered power stations near major cities; further understands that these charges are ultimately paid for by energy consumers in the shape of higher energy bills; believes that this system is not fit for purpose for the transition to renewable energy, as it disincentivises the building of infrastructure in precisely the places where the potential for renewable energy is highest, especially the north of Scotland; calls on the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem to heed the reported warnings from Ocean Winds and other leading developers and get on with reforming the transmission charges system so that projects in the north of Scotland are not penalised for not being close enough to London, and believes that if Scotland were an independent country, there would be no need to plead with a government based in London to make these changes.