Control over Scotland’s energy resources is set to become a central issue in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election, according to the SNP.
The party says voters will face a clear choice between continued high costs under Westminster control or lower energy bills through independence.
The comments come as new forecasts suggest household energy bills could rise by £332 a year from July, taking the average annual bill to £1,973.
That figure would leave bills significantly higher than when the current UK Government came to power and well above previous pledges to reduce costs.
The issue has sharpened political debate, with questions over how energy policy is managed and who benefits from Scotland’s resources.
SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn said:
“It is almost inevitable that the deepening energy crisis will come to define this Holyrood election campaign, voters will rightly cast their verdict on why Westminster’s control of Scotland’s energy has left families and businesses paying some of the highest costs in Europe.
“This election will boil down to a straight choice for the people of Scotland, a permanent cost of living crisis under Westminster or lower energy bills with independence.
“On May 7 voters can choose who is in control of Scotland’s energy, the Westminster establishment or the people of Scotland.
“Scottish voters haven’t forgotten that Keir Starmer, and his then sidekick Anas Sarwar, promised to cut energy bills by £300, instead the Labour Party’s broken promises will likely mean that people will be hit with bills that are £705 higher.
“With independence and full control over our energy resources, we can bring energy bills down.
“That only comes with the fresh start of independence and that is what only the SNP can offer to the people of Scotland at this election.”
The rising cost of energy, alongside wider pressures on household finances, is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the campaign in the weeks ahead.
With polling day approaching, the question of who controls Scotland’s energy and how that translates into everyday costs is likely to remain at the forefront of political debate.
