This is extremely unfortunate, because this is probably the strongest public relations argument for the introduction of renewables, because it turns the argument that this will drive up costs on its head.  

In fact, the introduction of renewables drives down the wholesale price of power, in effect creating competitive advantage.  Delaying that creates the same sort of rent-seeking that you see with financial sector.  

Is there any sector of the economy where private rent-seeking isn't a major component of profits?

And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg