An independent Scotland “will require a far greater degree of oversight of the market” and “firmer safeguards” over Scottish energy security, the report said.
While Ofgem estimates the UK capacity margin could fall as low as 2 per cent in winter 2015/16 if demand is high, the report noted the equivalent figure for Scotland would be around 20 per cent.
Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing criticised the UK government’s “mixed messages on renewables” and “delayed energy market reforms” for halting investment in new capacity.
“Having only two per cent reserve energy in the system is extraordinarily risky and could result in big bill price hikes,” he said.
“Scotland can help the UK keep the lights on and the bills down. Scotland exports electricity to England and Wales every year – in 2012 a quarter of the electricity generated here helped keep lights on across the rest of the UK.
“Scotland’s huge natural resources mean that we can supply electricity – reliably and affordably. This is the case now, and will be the case in the event of independence.”
The report also complained the UK overnment’s support offered to Hinkley Point C new nuclear power station jeopardised renewable investment without addressing the imminent capacity shortage.