Scottish Affairs Committee - A Robust Grid for 21st Century ScotlandWritten evidence submitted by Jonathan Ward

I wish to add my voice to complaints about unsatisfactory power supply infrastructure.

During recent storms we on the Rosneath Peninsula were without power for five days, not knowing when it would be restored; therefore we had to move out to alternative accommodation. This is unacceptable.

It would not be so if this essential infrastructure service was provided by a state organisation; the fact that a private company is making profit for shareholders renders the situation immoral and exploitative!

This private company must minimise its costs (in order to maximise profit, of course) and this has caused the failures: vulnerable lines should have been protected, but were not.

Violent storms are normal here. There has been both insufficient maintenance and investment. It is essential and an obligation on your organisation that a meaningful and fair service-level obligation be placed upon the supplier in the immediate future.

I ask that you consider my views as objective, businesslike and probably representative of most of the affected population.

9 February 2012