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Davey: Scottish independence 'would hinder energy sector'

The Energy Secretary Ed Davey has warned that the "uncertainty and disruption" of Scottish independence would seriously affect progress in the economy and energy sector.

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MSP: Independence would 'cut energy bills by £70'

An independent Scotland would be able to deliver a £70 cut in energy bills, and maintain the UK's energy supply.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing explained:

Scotland's huge natural resources mean that we can supply electricity - reliably and affordably - and can help the UK keep the lights on and the bills down.

Scotland exports electricity to England and Wales every year - in 2012 a quarter of the electricity generated here helped keep lights on across the rest of the UK.

With the powers of independence we will deliver a permanent, ongoing annual cut in energy bills of £70 - by removing the Energy Company Obligation and the Warm Homes Discount from consumer bills.

– Fergus Ewing

Independence forces investors to 'hold on to their cash'

The referendum on Scottish independence risks scaring away investors who will want to "hold on to their cash" until the UK is more settled, the Energy Secretary will warn.

The energy sector in Scotland is booming and growing, with more and more jobs and attracting more investment.

I fear the economic and energy progress will be seriously affected by the uncertainty and disruption of independence, as investors will hold on to their cash rather than risk it.

– Energy Secretary Ed Davey

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'Disruption' of independence damaging energy sector

The "uncertainty and disruption" caused by the looming referendum on Scottish independence will have a detrimental effect on progress in the economy and energy sector, a cabinet minister will warn.

Ed Davey will warn against the economic uncertainty caused by an independent Scotland. Credit: PA

Energy Secretary Ed Davey is expected to issue the warning later today as he launches the Government's latest Scotland Analysis paper in Edinburgh, focusing on gas and electricity.

The paper looks in detail at how the United Kingdom can maximise energy investment to support thousands of jobs and keep bills as low as possible.

The UK Government said its analysis shows that people in an independent Scotland would have to pay £3,800 per person to match the £20 billion the UK Government has committed towards decommissioning in the North Sea.

Read: Scottish independence 'bad for business' warns Weir Group boss

Read: PM promises North Sea cash if Scotland stays with UK

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