MSP FERGUS EWING: Families living in the Highlands have experienced the highest rates of fuel poverty within the country so we need more oil and gas needed along with renewables
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This week I’m sure many readers will be as concerned as myself over the cost of living crisis.
The start of the staggering increase to energy bills of 54 per cent – almost £700 – to just under £2000-a-year, has now kicked in.
We’ve heard in the last few weeks a very pitiful amount of support coming from the Chancellor’s budget meaning for many families who were already struggling to make ends meet, they will be pushed into unmanageable levels of debt and hardship.
This is set against a background where families living in the Highlands have experienced the highest rates of fuel poverty within the country. Estimates now suggest the rise in energy prices could push a further 211,000 households into fuel poverty in the UK.
We experience much colder winters than other areas of the country and I am particularly concerned that older people, who rely on it more heavily, may now face the decision of turning off their heating due to energy bills rising.
Myself and my constituency colleague, Drew Hendry MP, are keeping on the case to ensure that we can get information about support out to anyone who may need it and I would encourage anyone who may be struggling to look at Drew’s energy hub on his website which is updated regularly to reflect any new sources of support that families can access.
If you are struggling please get in touch with us and we will do our very best to help.
The point must be made that the high gas prices are partly caused by lack of domestic supply.
Unlike oil, gas prices are set by regional markets, so it can potentially be much lower in many parts of the world including the USA.
Prices are now highest in Europe where we have allowed ourselves to be vulnerable to the Russians. Though it is correct to say, as the First Minister has, that the UK does not get much gas from Russia – only a few percent in total.
However, we do get a significant amount of gas from Norway and they are now getting pressure from Germany and other European countries to sell to them. As such, prices will continue to rise.
If we do produce more oil and gas here at home, it will take some time for the benefits to be felt but be felt they will over time. So, we need to forge ahead now.
We need more renewables but that must be balanced by back-up from the oil and gas sector and including the use of more carbon capture storage facilities.
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