Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil  recently spoke with Ofgem’s Director for Scotland, Charles Gallacher, regarding the announcement that they have requested further information from SSE, regarding their needs case for an interconnector to the Western Isles.

Mr MacNeil said:

“It is obviously very disappointing to hear that the needs case submitted by SSE did not meet with approval from Ofgem.  I hope that it is not a long drawn out process for sorting out the outstanding issues.  Ofgem did point out that a type of ping-pong, backwards and forwards, between the two bodies is not unusual and we hope not delaying either.  I understand from Mr Gallacher, that a dozen points need clarification.

“The Scottish government has been working hard to try and address the issues surrounding the obstacles facing island renewable projects and this latest delay will be a disappointment for many community groups, but ultimately the responsibility lies with the UK government who to be fair, are starting to recognise the limitations of their approach in the past.

“This week it will be interesting to see what speed can be made in dealing with the dozen points that Ofgem need clarification on.  I would hope that the ping-pong is short and that SSE does indeed have the answers required so that we can move on.”