COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Rise in energy price cap 'will have bigger impact in Highlands and Islands'
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The rise in energy costs will have a bigger impact in the Highlands and Islands where households already pay more for electricity.
That is the warning from Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant following this morning's announcement by the energy regulator, Ofgem, that the energy price cap is to increase, taking the average gas and electricity bill to £3549 a year from October.
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"This price increase will have a bigger impact in the Highlands and Islands, in that we already pay unfair distribution costs," she said.
"Added to that, many homes in Highlands and Islands are not on the gas grid and are reliant on electricity, oil or LPG to heat their home."
She said both the UK and Scottish governments could do more to help with the cost of living.
"For example, neither of our governments have offered help to those who pay for oil or gas upfront," Mrs Grant said.
"We hear of the huge profits that oil and gas companies are making yet people are going to be plunging themselves into debt just to get through the winter. Its completely obscene and something needs to be done.
"If anyone is concerned that they are at risk, I would urge you to seek advice from your local citizens advice bureau who will signpost you to help available."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: "This eye-watering price hike risks plunging millions of people into fuel poverty.
"This is a national emergency and our governments have a moral duty to act.
"While energy giants are posting record profits, people are facing soaring bills. That’s why we need a windfall tax to put money in the pockets of consumers.
"Across the UK we need an energy price freeze now to help millions of households.
"And here in Scotland we need an emergency cost of living act to freeze rents, cut the cost of commuting and support businesses."
