Support grows for the Inverness Courier's petition calling on the UK government to end unfair higher electricity tariffs in the Highlands and Islands which have highest fuel poverty rates in Scotland; Supporters voice outrage and frustration
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Demands for an immediate end to unfair higher electricity charges in the Highlands and Islands have been gathering support as hundreds continue to add their names to the Courier’s petition.
Launched as part of our End The Chill campaign to highlight the region’s deepening fuel poverty crisis, the petition calls on the UK government to create a level pricing playing field.
Although the region generates more renewable electricity than it needs, consumers in the north of Scotland are charged the highest unit price in the UK because of outdated calculations.
The petition has gained support from across the political spectrum while people have been adding their comments as well as their signatures.
Many voice a sense of outrage and frustration.
Steve Rowan, the vice chairman of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, is among those who have signed it.
“It is unfair if an area which is a net contributer to the national grid is effectively subsidising other areas by a higher tariff,” he said.
“It is also unfair to discriminate against people who may experience greater fuel poverty due to the harsher climate, lack of choice over energy supplies, and less energy efficient housing stock.”
Hazel Leith, of Inverness, said: “I have always thought these costs were ludicrous and unfair in a country that creates so much electricity.”
Pensioner Flora Somerville, who supported the petition, said she pays £50 a week to heat one room.
“As a pensioner this is not affordable and it’s wrong!” she declared.
Theona Morrison commented: “This is a classic case where rural is quite literally fuelling the urban energy at 227 per cent yet the areas that are producing this energy, the areas which everyone swoons over, the postcard images, have some of the highest levels of fuel poverty.”
There was a sense of frustration in a comment from Isobel Fraser.
“We in the Highlands of Scotland are no longer going to accept being exploited and discriminated against because of our geographical location,” she declared.
“Contrary to common belief we are not a planet attached to the moon, we are very much a part of the United Kingdom and have the human right to be treated equally as such.”
John MacDonald said: “It is so unfair it is almost criminal.”
To sign the petition, go to www.change.org/unfair-charges.
Courier launches petition demanding end to unfair higher electricity charges
