Scottish Government recently signed-off an electricity framework agreement, which sets out a framework for the supply of electricity to public sector estates.¹ Under this framework agreement, energy suppliers EDF are the main supplier for public sector buildings.
As public sector buildings are often natural off-takers for community energy generators, this will have implications for the future of PPAs. In a parliamentary question raised by Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Government minister Fergus Ewing confirmed that a total of six different PPA models for local generators will be facilitated under this framework, although details on these models are not currently clear from published communications. ² ³
However, from available communications, it appears that PPAs can still be agreed outside of the Framework ie community organisations could approach public sector bodies directly to discuss a PPA without having to involve the main Framework supplier, EDF.
Below is a response to Scottish Parliament question from Sarah Boyack MSP, 2024.
“The terms and conditions state that for the Supply of Electricity from a self-generating source the Supplier shall enter into a Power Purchase Agreement with such Scottish Public Sector Body on normal commercial terms. Such purchase shall stand entirely separate to the arrangements under the Framework and the Supplier shall not be under any obligation to sleeve the electrical output of such Public Body’s facility into the supply of electricity under the framework. The Supply of Electricity agreement has also included the options of 6 different Power Purchase Agreement variations as part of the Statement of Requirements and the Terms and Conditions.
¹ Scottish Government, 2024. Procurement: electricity framework agreement: 2024 to 2029.
² Scottish Parliament, 2024. Question reference: S6W-29941.
³ Regen have approached Scottish Government’s local energy team, Procurement Scotland and EDF for more details on PPA models and processes although have yet to receive a formal response.
