Consultation and research
A number of points were raised through the webinars and consultation responses with regards to the islands. The main points raised with regard to these requirements in an island setting were:
- lack of capacity on small and fragile local electricity grids, particularly when these requirements are considered in the wider context of increased demand across households (new heating requirements, for example);
- the cost of construction works and/or the grid connection, including EV infrastructure work, being more expensive in remote/rural areas; and
- an ask for consideration to be given to undertake a different approach to remote/rural areas.
A number of additional wider points were raised around concerns about the policy locking in car use and going against the wider transport hierarchy objectives of the Scottish Government and Local Authorities.
In addition, the research paper also highlighted the potential for additional labour costs in remote islands, with the lack of skilled contractors and installers identified as potentially being more scarce in these locations. The research also highlighted that costs could be much higher with regard to installations for new non-domestic buildings and that there would be additional supply-chain challenges.
| Geography | Residential | Non-Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | £579 - £1,035 | £2,044 - £11,569 |
| Rural | £570 - £1,030 | £1,273 - £7,255 |
| Remote Island | £777 - £1,307 | £1,653 - £26,584 |
Overall, the evidence gathered in the paper and through the consultation, whilst limited, does highlight that there will be a higher cost of installation in island locations.