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UTILITY WEEK | 21ST - 27TH OCTOBER 2016 | 13 Policy & Regulation Policy & Regulation "If we have our own energy system we can build a system that not only works for people but also for the climate." Callum McCaig, SNP Westminster spokesperson for business, energy and industrial strategy 1 What role do you see for mar- kets within the wholesale and retail utility arenas? "An entirely free market is not going to work. At the same time an entirely regulated market is not going to work either. So it is all about finding that balance between the two – but we think we need it to be tougher than those set out by the current regulations. This is one of these things that needs to be constantly looked at, constantly reviewed and constantly changed and updated. That is because you're never going to get it right because every time you make an interven- tion and change something, there will be new problems that arise." Callum McCaig, Westminster business, energy and industrial strategy spokesperson 2 What steps should the government take to help protect energy and water customers? "The powers over the charging made for electricity distribution are at Westminster. They could set up a more equitable scheme and we've been arguing for that to happen. It's an unacceptable situation where they recognise there is a problem but do nothing about it. There is an opportunity to change the charging regime in a sensitive way so it doesn't disadvantage people in other areas. I also want to see automatic switching as I think that would make for a very competitive market. Customers should be put automatically onto the best deal." Drew Hendry MP, shadow SNP Westminster group leader (transport) 3 How will EU environmental and water quality regulations shape post-Brexit regulations in the UK? "I would want us to abide by what I think are high standards and I do not think why we should look to change that to be honest. High standards are what we all should be striving for. It is not the case that just because it is a piece of Brussels legislation that it makes it appealing. It does matter about the content of that legislation and why would you not want to do that in concert with other countries? It is our intention that we keep that high standard going." Roseanna Cunningham MSP, cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform THREE KEY QUESTIONS From the floor Mathew Beech Talk of another independence referendum is keeping the party faithful happy and fired up. The second independence referendum is coming. Or is it? Despite the bravado from SNP leader and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her party, there are still a number of caveats behind the threat. A dra referendum bill is due in Holyrood, setting out initial talk on the matter, but the key thing for the SNP is Scotland's links to the EU single market. The bar talk is that the party is eager to retain access and the benefits it brings. Leaving the EU, but with the ability to trade within the single market, appears to be enough for the SNP. Plus, it gives the party signifi- cant distance between itself and the Westminster parties. Talk of another independence referendum keeps the party faithful happy and fired up with nationalistic chatter and bravado. Sturgeon and her team, for all the talk, are aware this is just the starting position for negotiations with Number 10 and with Brussels. We may be closer than ever to a second independence referendum, but there are still many things that need to fall into place before a full- blooded referendum war-cry comes from the SNP. KEY POINTS Brexit – as has been the case at all the party conferences, Brexit has been the main topic of discussion – and the implications it will have for the UK, and for the SNP in Scotland. Single market – the SNP is keen for Scotland to retain access to the single market and is looking at the various ways it can retain it. Independence – a second independence referendum was used as a threat to the UK government as the fall-back bargaining chip. It was a case of involve us in talks and let us keep single market access, or we will try again for independence. Disunity – not within the SNP, but between the UK and Holyrood governments – was the common rhetoric across the SECC. The SNP was pushing for its united Scotland, but disunited Kingdom, agenda again. Intervention – state intervention in the markets, to ensure they work fairly, is on the SNP agenda. This includes intervening in the energy market and changing transmission charges. OVERHEARD AT THE CONFERENCE… ● "The tension between Holyrood and Westminster never disappears; it just gets distracted and pulled elsewhere." – A Scottish reporter in the queue for coffee. ● "There have been some good bits, but it is now so corporate." – A discussion between reporters in the press room. ● "All the politicians come round and actually have a conversation with you, rather than just posing for a photo." – One exhibitor compares the SNP conference with the Labour and Conservative conferences. ● "It'd be a bloody outrage if Scotland got dragged out of the EU against its will." – A speaker in the Scotland's place in Europe debate.