High energy bills for Scots living in the Highlands and Islands is the “greatest injustice of our day”, according to Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. Ms Forbes spoke during an event in Shetland on the Holyrood Sources podcast about how she hopes to see reform of the energy sector to bring down bills.
The Highlands and Islands have some of the highest energy costs in the country, owing to a variety of challenges and a disproportionate percentage of fuel poverty, despite being geographically near to the source of much of the UK’s energy supply.
“I would go so far as to say that this is the greatest injustice for our islands, and indeed for the Highlands, but it is the greatest injustice of our day,” she said.
“It is an absolute shocker and will be for generations to come, that our islands are responsible for generating such a wealth of power that actually keeps the lights on across this country and may, at some point, keep the lights on beyond this country, and yet we have pensioners and others in fuel poverty.”
The Deputy First Minister pointed to comments from Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson, who said Scots could enjoy the “cheapest electricity in Europe” if a system of regional pricing was put in place.
Ms Forbes added: “My big hope, which I suspect may be disappointed, is that Labour tackles this head on. That really gets to grip with it. GB Energy has its place, right? It’ll do what it needs to do, but it’s not about tackling that injustice.
“What we need is a big vision from the UK Government, which the Scottish Government is willing to support for complete reform, that says ‘this is Scotland’s energy and we will not tolerate anyone in fuel poverty that lives within a metre or a mile of these turbines’.”
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
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