The MP has been put forward by his party to lead the influential select committee, a position previously held by outspoken Conservative MP Tim Yeo, with voting set to take place on Wednesday 17 June.
MacNeil’s nomination was made public Tuesday morning following weeks of speculation that the SNP-held committee could be headed up by the party’s Westminister energy spokesman Callum McCaig, former energy spokesman Mike Weir or even former party leader Alex Salmond.
Utility Week understands that the party is likely to nominated just one MP for the position ahead of the vote, making MacNeil a shoo-in for the top spot.
MacNeil is expected to hold the party line on energy policy which includes a strong support of renewable energy and opposition to shale gas and new nuclear development. In addition the SNP has been outspoken in calling for a change to the transmission charging regime.
Nominations for the position are to close Wednesday 10 June at 5pm with voting to take place Wednesday 17 June from 10am to 5pm.