Speaking in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Fergus Ewing criticised the policy, adding it would also affect investment in renewable energy in Scotland.
Ewing said: “As far as I can recall, never has a measure introduced by the leader of a major political party in the UK received such widespread, utter and total condemnation as being completely unworkable.”
The Scottish energy minister also highlighted the fact when an “arbitrary” price freeze was tried California, it led to blackouts and an “800 per cent increase in the wholesale price”.
He added: “Worst of all for Scotland, such an arbitrary measure threatens to impair the essential investment in renewable energy schemes that are so important for the country.