To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on connection charges for green energy projects in remote areas; and if he will make a statement. (188764)

My officials met with Ofgem on 3 October 2007 and 29 January 2008 to discuss connection charges for renewable energy projects in the Scottish Islands—these discussions covered Ofgem’s consultation on delivering island connection infrastructure, National grid’s review of security standards (the SQSS review) and the power to adjust transmission charges for renewable projects in remote areas provided in section 185 of the Energy Act 2004.