A new poll has found that only a quarter of Scots support the potential introduction of zonal power pricing in the UK energy market, with a significant portion voicing opposition to the proposed reform.
The survey, conducted by polling firm Survation for advisory group True North, revealed that 41% of Scots are against the policy, while 25% support it. The remaining third of respondents were undecided. The results come ahead of a UK government decision expected in the coming weeks.
Zonal pricing would divide the UK’s electricity market into regional zones, with prices determined by local supply and demand conditions. Proponents argue this system could reduce so-called constraint payments—compensation given to generators when the grid cannot accommodate their electricity—and potentially lower consumer bills in some areas.
However, the proposal has drawn strong criticism from the Scottish renewables sector. Industry leaders argue that introducing such a system without a clear design risks delaying investments in offshore wind, increasing costs, and hindering job creation in the green energy sector.
“The overwhelming message from Scottish renewable energy developers is that the introduction of zonal pricing risks projects being cancelled or put on hiatus,” said Allister Thomas, senior energy adviser at True North. “This polling is a clear signal to politicians that the Scottish public wants a system which protects that investment, as our oil and gas communities transition to renewable sources.”
Concerns about the policy are particularly pronounced in areas expected to be directly affected. In the Highlands, only 22% of respondents supported the measure, with a similar 23% in North East Scotland backing the idea.
The findings also reflect broader scepticism over the UK government’s energy targets. Sixty percent of those surveyed said they do not believe the government’s goal of a fully clean power system by 2030 is achievable. Nevertheless, 54% said they support the ambition, which is estimated to require £40 billion in annual investment over the next six years.
Last week, Keith Anderson, chief executive of ScottishPower, warned that zonal pricing could undermine the UK’s clean energy ambitions. “We risk snatching defeat from the jaws of victory,” he said.
Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight has also stated that, even if pursued, a zonal system is unlikely to be in place before the 2030s, effectively delaying its potential impact on current policy targets.
The poll was conducted between May 2 and May 5 with a sample size of 1,020 adults across Scotland.
