Chamber and committees

Mr Callaghan, with regard to the powers of enforcement that you mentioned, am I right in saying that the ESS cannot impose fines for breaches? If that is the case, does it actually have sharp enough teeth?

I am very grateful for that explanation. Thank you.

Given all that you have said, does Ofgem have a view on how the capital costs of decarbonisation can be paid for? Are there other ways of doing that other than through consumers’ personal bills? Could public funds be generated and used, or does responsibility for paying for this devolve ultimately on the individual consumer?

Thank you.

In the paper that you supplied, Professor Turner, you tell us about your net zero principles framework for public policy making. One of those principles is that

“‘Off-shoring’ is not the answer in regional/national or global contexts if it only shifts emissions, jobs and GDP overseas.”

That seems to me to be a very important point. Indeed, the principles are very important. How much regard does the Scottish Government have to such principles and, indeed, that framework?

Professor Turner, I have two questions for you. The Scottish Government signalled its intention to create a national public energy agency that will have as its remit a focus on heat, energy efficiency and the delivery of investment. Is it right to focus on those things rather than on the traditional energy markets?

Good morning. I have three quick questions. First, do you expect the costs of renewable electricity to fall as more infrastructure is built? If so, could renewable electricity ultimately become an alternative to gas for heating?

Have you done any modelling—or are you aware of any—on the financial implications for households of decarbonising transport, buildings, power and so on?

I am very grateful. I have no further questions, convener.

I am very grateful for that clear answer.

Secondly, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the funding for the over-60s scheme was cut in 2017. Given that people seem to be working longer, particularly as we recover from the pandemic, do you intend to reverse that cut? Is there a risk of some people feeling that you cut support for the over-60s scheme in order to pay for the under-22s scheme?