Energy regulator criticised over unfair electricity prices 10/11/14
The failure of the UK government to properly regulate the energy sector has led to islanders facing unfair bills, the Scottish Parliament has heard.
Western Isles residents fork out an 15% levy to pay for the cost of receiving electricity into their homes.
The charge comes from paying an extra 2p for every unit of energy used compared to households in the central belt. It goes towards the costs for transporting electricity across the grid.
In the Scottish Parliament, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing blamed the situation on ‘a complete failure of the regulatory regime in the UK.’
He said Holyrood powers were limited that Scottish Government is discussing the issue with the regulator, Ofgem, as well as talking with the UK Government as the matter is currently reserved.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart warned of the prospect of a “bleak and Dickensian winter.”
He asked Mr Ewing to write to Ofgem and UK Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, urging them
to “get rid of the unfair charges” and introduce an equal-
Mr Ewing responded: “We absolutely believe that, in the UK, Scottish householders should not be penalised in this way, but they are, through a total failure of regulation under successive governments.
“The position is exacerbated because one of the longer-
“I hope that Mr Stewart and his colleagues will join us in making representations to the Smith commission and will use the opportunity to empower Scotland to cut our bills rather than continue with a somewhat touching faith and belief in the good will of the Tory Government—their former Better Together ally.”