The SNP’s Eilidh Munro has backed calls for an end to what campaigners describe as an unjust energy bill rip off facing households and businesses across Scotland, as pressure grows on UK ministers to reform the energy pricing system.
Ms Munro, the SNP candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has joined other SNP candidates and serving politicians in supporting Believe in Scotland’s End Scotland’s Energy Bill Rip Off campaign, which argues that Scotland is being unfairly penalised despite being a major producer of clean energy.
The campaign states that Scotland is a net exporter of renewable energy, yet households and businesses face some of the highest energy prices in the world due to what it describes as a broken UK energy system.
It also highlights that Scottish consumers pay among the highest standing charges anywhere in the UK, adding to already high energy bills during periods of prolonged cold weather.
Believe in Scotland is calling on the UK Government to end unfair extra standing charges for Scottish consumers, deliver a transparent pricing system that does not damage Scotland’s economy, recognise Scotland’s contribution to clean energy generation, publish a clear plan with dates to lower bills, and cancel any further energy price rises planned by the regulator in 2026.
Ms Munro said:
“It is totally unjust that Scottish homes and businesses are forced to pay some of the highest energy prices anywhere, and among the highest standing charges in the UK.
“In the Highlands, bills are eyewatering.
“I’ve heard of people spending £100 in just one week to heat their homes in this recent cold snap.
“The UK Government has broken its promise to lower bills and it has no clear plan to deliver for the people of Scotland in this area.
“As has been the case for decades, Scotland’s massive contribution on energy is not being duly recognised and remunerated.”
Ms Munro said the issue reflected a wider problem of decisions being taken outwith Scotland that directly affect everyday life.
“We can’t rely on failing UK Governments election cycle after election cycle.
“Decisions about Scotland’s energy and every other matter affecting our lives should be made in Scotland.
“We need more powers, and we need independence.”
Ms Munro also linked the campaign to the upcoming elections, arguing that energy fairness should be central to political decision making.
“A vote for the SNP in May is a vote to end unfairness on matters such as energy.
“It is also a vote for policies that secure economic growth whilst protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
The campaign comes amid continuing concern over energy affordability in rural and island areas, where colder conditions, limited alternatives, and higher costs have left many households struggling to keep warm through extended periods of winter weather.
