Poverty action group slates donation

The Western Isles Poverty Action Group has criticised Scottish Hydro’s £40,000 donation to a charity committed to eradicating fuel poverty.

Scottish Hydro - the power distribution arm of SSE - is responsible for maintaining the electricity network – wires, cables, and substations – in northern Scotland.

Its donation will help Energy Action Scotland raise awareness of the help on offer to those struggling to pay their energy bills.

Angus McCormack, of the action group, said the donation was “nothing more than window dressing.”

“In the Highlands and Islands where the harsh weather, low incomes and hard to insulate houses mean that fuel poverty is endemic throwing £40,000 at the problem is close to insulting.”

“SSE must act to eliminate the 2p surcharge they currently levy on their loyal consumers in the Highlands and Islands.”

SSE said the surcharge is caused by government policy to claw back the cost of maintaining the grid from households in each region.

The energy firm said it backed the solution of national pricing to even out the distribution running costs across the country.

Poverty action group slates donation

8 March 2015