Wind power savings offset PSO levy

THE increase in wind-generated electricity looks set to reduce the wholesale price of electricity this year, a study has shown.

The report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Eirgrid finds that the cost of a controversial public service obligation (PSO) levy and a reduced wholesale price practically cancel one another out, meaning wind power is not more expensive for customers than more traditional sources of electricity.

The energy authority said the research proves that “our strong wind energy resource comes at no extra cost.”