“Double whammy” of electricity surcharge 21/10/14
The leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has backed calls for SSE to explain why consumers in the Highlands and Islands pay a higher tariff on electricity charges than consumers in the rest of Scotland.
The Comhairle is seeking an urgent meeting with grid operator, SSE, and energy regulator, Ofgem.
The Western Isles Poverty Action Group called on the Scottish Government to intervene to stop consumers in the Highlands and Islands being charged 2p per unit more than those elsewhere in Scotland.
However, energy regulation is not a devolved issue and is controlled by Westminster.
Comhairle Leader, Cllr Angus Campbell, said: “Not only are people in the Highlands and Islands being charged 2p per unit more than the rest of Scotland, we also face higher charges for the transmission of energy out of our area.
“So we are faced with a double whammy – particularly as much of that electricity is produced in the Highlands and Islands.
“At the same time we have the highest fuel poverty figures in the UK. To impose an additional burden on the people of the Highlands and Islands is completely unacceptable and completely contradicts the principle of universality.”
Mr Campbell said: “We will be contacting SSE as a matter of urgency and we would also ask the Scottish Government to intervene.
“I would be interested to know how long people in the Highlands and islands have been paying this tax and also what is Ofgem’s views on what is clearly a discriminatory charge.”