Alex Neil Confirms Energy Contract Award

14th June 2012

EDF Energy has been awarded the national electricity contract to supply Scotland's public sector, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil confirmed today.

The company will deliver electricity supplied from 100 per cent renewable sources and the three-year contract is expected to save taxpayers at least £40m, which is £10 million more than the initial 3 year period of the previous contract.

Electricity will be supplied to 99 per cent of the public sector such as councils, hospitals, schools, fire and police, higher and further education, galleries and libraries incorporating 27,000 electricity supply points. Social landlords will also be able to benefit from the contract.

EDF Energy currently have 208 MW of consented and installed renewable capacity in Scotland, representing approx 7.5 per cent of current wind capacity. An additional 638 MW of capacity is planned by the company representing a 300 per cent increase.

EDF Energy is also a major investor in renewables research and development at Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities.

The contact was awarded following a stringent procurement process as required by European legislation, with strict criteria based on best value for the taxpayer.

Alex Neil said:"This contract delivers excellent value to taxpayers and also guarantees that all the electricity supplied is generated from renewable sources.

"The Scottish Government's procurement approach, which covers the whole public sector, has already seen millions of pounds saved and we expect this contact to deliver savings of almost £40 million, over the next three years.

"As part of the contact, EDF Energy will be expected to maximise its current community benefit projects in Scotland."