Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter has accused the UK Government of being “completely out of touch with rural households” amid rising energy costs for off grid homes.
The criticism comes after the UK Government announced a package of support which Mr Leadbitter says does far too little to address the growing energy cost crisis facing rural communities.
Many homes across rural Scotland are not connected to the gas grid and instead rely on heating oil and other off grid fuels.
Recent reports suggest the cost of heating oil has doubled in some areas over the past week following the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Across Scotland an estimated 500,000 homes are not connected to the gas network.
In Mr Leadbitter’s Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency the figure is estimated to be around 44 percent of households.
Off grid homes already face significantly higher energy costs than households connected to the main network.
Figures suggest around 27 percent of off grid households are currently living in extreme fuel poverty compared with around 18 percent of those connected to the gas grid.
Mr Leadbitter said the situation highlights the growing pressure on rural communities during periods of rising energy prices.
“Once again the UK government has demonstrated it’s completely out of touch with rural households after announcing a package that does far too little to see off grid homes through this energy cost crisis.
“This might not be an issue in London, but for rural Scotland rising prices have been devastating and risk forcing even more rural households into fuel poverty.
“Off grid homes are already far more likely to be in extreme fuel poverty, and with the cost of heating oil more than doubling in some areas those households will be forced into making extremely difficult decisions through persistently cold weather.”
He also said Scotland should be able to benefit more directly from its own energy resources.
“Scotland is energy rich and should be able to use its energy wealth to benefit the homes who in some cases can see excess energy being generated from their doorsteps.
“Instead we’re at the mercy of an uncaring and unbothered Westminster system that has repeatedly failed to meet its own pledges to slash energy bills across the board.”
Mr Leadbitter added that people in Scotland should have greater control over how the country’s energy resources are used.
“People in Scotland deserve better, and by voting SNP on May 7th can take a step towards a future where our resources are used for the benefit of the people who live here.”
