Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have warned that the creation of a new Scottish Government backed public energy supplier could put jobs at SSE HQ in Perth under pressure.
In a speech to SNP Conference, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that the Scottish Government was moving forward with plans to create a state-based energy supplier that would provide energy to customers at close to cost price.
However, Perth based energy giant, SSE has previously warned that a government supplying power on a large scale risks distorting the market and deterring investment.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“SSE is the biggest private sector employer in Perth and Kinross and helps employ thousands of people around the country. Ensuring that these jobs remain viable in the wake of a new government backed supplier is incredibly important.
“There are relatively few FTSE 100 companies based outside of London and it is with tremendous pride that SSE is headquartered in the Fair City.
“More competition is needed in the UK energy sector, the big six acknowledge this, but the entrance of a government backed non-profit has the potential to seriously destabilise the market.”
Commenting Liz Smith MSP;
“Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP must give assurances that the creation of a new Government backed supplier will not unduly affect the thousands of people already employed in the energy sector in Scotland, particularly in Perth at SSE.
“Furthermore, with questions over how a government supplier would operate and whether it could actually offer savings to customers the Scottish Government cannot be seen to risk the energy market for a shot at some good PR.
“I would encourage householders across Perth and Kinross to shop around for the best deal to ensure that they are on the cheapest possible energy tariff.”