Scots to save £94 a year on energy - 16/05/2012

Carbon policies will help save Scottish consumers save £94 a year on their energy bills.

New figures show eco-friendly measures could mean gas and electricity prices fall to just over £1,200 (£1,285) a year by 2020.

The average bill will be more than £1,300 (£1,379) if renewable energy and green policies are not embraced by the public.

Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing says changes are essential to reduce costs and boost the economy, as well as meet the country's climate change targets.

He said: "Figures show bills for gas and electricity rose by £445 between 2004 and 2010 and two-thirds of this rise was the result of increases in wholesale costs - precisely why we need to invest in our own secure energy supply."

In the Queen's Speech at the beginning of the month a new bill was announced to try and reform the industry and deliver affordable energy.

Scotland also wants to use renewable energy sources to generate all of its power by 2020, as well as provide 30 per cent of the electricity needed by the rest of the UK.

At the moment, the country is ahead of schedule and it looks set to meet these targets.

Mr Ewing believes the opportunities presented by renewable energy in Scotland are too good to miss, especially as the industry will help create some much-needed jobs in the current recession.

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