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Higher subsidy for island windfarms is “not value for money”           17/9/13

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar says the move to provide incentives for on-shore windfarms on the Scottish islands is a “step in the right direction.”

But the council warns it may not be enough to retain developers in the Outer Hebrides.

Comhairle leader Angus Campbell said: “The principle of a different strike price for island areas is a good one and something that we have been campaigning for but it must be set at the right price and I am not convinced that this is the case with it being set at £115 per MWh.

“Our initial indications are that that is not enough and further work needs to be done to calculate a fair level for the Outer Hebrides.”

The strike price only applies to onshore land-based windfarms and Mr Campbell hopes energy minister introduced a guarantee income level for marine and wave schemes.

UK energy minister Edward Davey said: “Higher strike prices would not be value for money for Scottish consumers or those across the rest of the UK.”

He said any increase in the subsidy would mean families and businesses paying higher electricity bills.