Mr. John Rice:

I fully agree that the objective of the support schemes and the move to renewable energy is to ensure cheaper, more secure energy supply for all users within the European Union. The current schemes which support renewable electricity, for example, are designed to encourage the development of wind bioenergy in the most cost-effective way. Fuel costs are low for wind or ocean technologies but significant capital investments are required and even connections to the grid must be paid for. The prices in the tariff supported under the refit schemes are designed not to overcompensate developers but rather give them a fair return, ensuring the price of electricity is not prohibitive to the consumer.