First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the SNP conference that Scotland will set up a publicly-owned, not-for-profit energy company by 2021 to increase competition and choice for consumers.

“Energy would be bought wholesale or generated here in Scotland — renewable, of course — and sold to customers as close to cost price as possible,” said Sturgeon.

“No shareholders to worry about. No corporate bonuses to consider …

“It would give people — particularly those on low incomes — more choice and the option of a supplier whose only job is to secure the lowest price for consumers.”