Open consultation events on the future of Shetland's electricity supply are set to continue this week in the north of Shetland with public events taking place in Yell on Wednesday and Brae on Thursday.
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) wants to hear from customers and businesses about the shape of the competitive process that it will use to find the best way to keep the lights on when Lerwick Power Station comes to the end of its operational life. SHEPD has worked closely with the energy regulator Ofgem to prepare the current consultation, which runs until Friday 19 December.
Last week, a wide range of Shetland businesses, organisations and individuals attended meetings and events in Lerwick and Dunrossness to find out about the process ahead and the opportunities that it presents.
SHEPD's Shetland Operations Manager Darren Hitchin says:
"In the 1960s, the people of Yell played a key part in securing the island's connection to mains electricity at a crucial time - supported by others across Shetland and beyond.
"Yell is already set to play a growing part in the future of electricity for Shetland via the NINES project, but we want to explore whether there are any opportunities to do more in any of the North Isles or the north mainland. We are also looking for feedback from all of our customers on their priorities, so that they can help to shape the criteria for the open, competitive process which we expect to conduct next year.
"We would encourage people to come along to help us identify the best long term solution to keep the lights on for Shetland."
This week's public events take place at:
- Yell Leisure Centre on Wednesday 19 November from 3pm to 7.30pm; and
- North Mainland Leisure Centre, Brae, on Thursday 20 November from 3pm to 7.30pm.
All are welcome to drop in - tea and coffee will be provided.