Neil Clitheroe, CEO ScottishPower Retail and Generation said:

“We are extremely disappointed with National Grid’s decision as ScottishPower submitted a competitive bid that reflected our commitment to protecting the immediate future of Longannet Power Station. As we have said previously, today’s decision by National Grid means that, in all likelihood, we will be forced to announce the closure of Longannet by March 2016.

“Everyone will appreciate that it is a concerning time for all our people and we will do everything in our power to manage the outcome of this process as best we can.

“The issue regarding punitive Transmission Charges has not changed, and this still negatively impacts the future of the station. Beyond that, the current Transmission Charging regime is a major barrier to any future investment in flexible thermal power generation in Scotland. In any future scenario for Scotland, it is vital that the network here is supported by flexible generation to compliment renewables.”