Six out of ten island families are struggling to afford to heat their homes, according to a new report.
Latest figures show a higher proportion of island families suffer fuel poverty compared to other areas of Scotland.
Some 62% of households in the Outer Hebrides are affected compared to a national average of 36%, says the Scottish Government’s 2013 Scottish House Condition Survey.
People are considered to be in fuel poverty if they have to spend over 10% of their income to adequately heat their home.
Six out of ten families in fuel poverty
19 December 2014
Council Leader, Angus Campbell, said: “These figures again show the shocking levels of fuel poverty being experienced by island households.”
He pointed out the Comhairle’s local research suggests the scale of the problem is even worse.
The Comhairle and its partners have put in place an action plan aimed at improving energy efficiency measures, increasing local incomes and tackling fuel costs in a bid to deal with the issue.
Increase in fuel prices alone would have led to nearly 6% rise in fuel poverty.
The council urged SSE to reduce electricity costs including the extra 15% surcharge paid by islanders.
Cllr Gordon Murray said: “Families struggling week to week paying high energy costs is not acceptable in an renewable energy rich Hebrides.
The council needs to ensure our renewable energy potential is harnessed and through public ownership supply cost price electricity to every household in the Western Isles. This will eradicate fuel poverty and make the Hebrides a more attractive place for families and businesses."