Scottish utility SSE has called for a continued Great Britain electricity market whatever the outcome of a second independence referendum in the country.
The company said, following yesterday’s announcement that Holyrood would seek powers to hold the vote, that “a much wider population base” is the key to efficient energy provision.
“Managing the electricity and gas networks and operating the market on a GB-wide basis ensures that the affordability, reliability and sustainability of energy can be maximised,” it said.
“This arrangement benefits all consumers in GB. The benefits from harmonised markets are demonstrated in Ireland where wholesale electricity trading in (the Republic) and Northern Ireland has operated under a single electricity market since 2007,” it added.
SSE said prolonged uncertainty following any major constitutional change would add to risk levels although “in itself a referendum would present no immediate risk”.
It did not take a view on “whether there should be a referendum, when any referendum should take place or what the result of any referendum should be, believing it to be a matter for the Scottish and UK parliaments and, ultimately, for voters”.
Image: SSE believes bigger is better in terms of GB market (SSE)
