A Moray-based politician is calling for lower energy bills alongside energy projects.
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess is celebrating a significant step forward in the fight against fuel poverty – the UK energy regulator’s decision to consult on introducing zero standing charges under the price cap.
MSP Ariane Burgess (right) on a visit to leading renewables company AES Solar in Forres.
Ms Burgess, who has long advocated for the change, explained: “Standing charges are a fixed daily amount you have to pay for energy, no matter how much you use. It’s added to almost all gas and electricity bills and disproportionately impacts rural households and those most vulnerable to fuel poverty.
“Offering people the choice to pay by usage only and avoid fixed charges will provide much-needed relief to low-income families and encourage energy efficiency.”
Ms Burgess is calling for energy crisis debts to be reset the way debt is managed in the long term to be reformed.
She emphasises the need for compassionate support for vulnerable customers and a fair energy market that works for people as well as the planet.
She said: “The Highlands and Islands are doing more than their fair share in our switch to renewables, hosting offshore and onshore wind and associated infrastructure.
“However, communities here do not feel the benefit of this increasingly cheap form of energy generation in their back pockets.
“I’m cautiously optimistic about recently announced proposals to reform national energy system operations by the UK Government and Ofgem’s change of heart on standing charges.
“But these changes must be delivered in tandem with the Pathway to 2030 infrastructure projects to ensure communities across the region see a real difference in their homes energy costs.”