The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Stephen Kerr MSP about Renewable energy

2 November 2022 · Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 2 November 2022, replies to correspondence of 27 September 2022. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Sir Robert Chote to Stephen Kerr MSP – Renewable energy; it links to 3 official records. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“It is always welcome when elected representatives correct or clarify their use of official statistics, especially when, as in this case, the figure represents a complex mixture of different statistics.”

“The corrected text reads “Under this Government, the equivalent of 98.8% of our gross electricity consumption is already provided by renewable energy sources. [emphasis added].”

“We have asked the Chief Statistician in Scotland to ensure that the First Minister’s office is briefed on this matter.”

“Where statements are made in public debate it should be clear what the underlying statistics measure, to avoid misinterpretation.”

From Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 2 November 2022. Read the full letter.

Records the letter links to

• correction to a speech made in the Scottish Parliament on 29 September
• electricity was generated in Scotland
• wind, solar, and hydroelectric

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Stephen Kerr MSP to Sir Ian Diamond – Renewable energy (27 September 2022)

More on Stephen Kerr.

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