Commenting on the release of the UK Government’s Gas Strategy, Neil Clitheroe, ScottishPower’s CEO of Retail and Generation, said:

“We welcome the Government’s recognition in the Gas Strategy that gas will play a crucial role in our generation mix for many years to come and that uncertainty for investors should be reduced.  Importantly, the strategy reiterates the Government's proposal to introduce the Capacity Mechanism quickly, with first auctions planned for 2014. Getting started in 2014 is essential to incentivise investment in existing and new thermal plant to maintain security of supply.

“We have plans for potential new gas build, and the capacity mechanism will be a key enabler. We look forward to considering the details of the Gas Strategy alongside the Energy Bill - it is inevitably a complex system and we all need to work together with the Government on designing a workable approach and delivering it on time."

Media information: Simon McMillan 0141 614 4582 / 07753 622 257