The cost of cooking Christmas dinner has skyrocketed by 44% since 2019, exposing a stark disconnect between Scotland’s electricity surplus and the high prices paid by Scottish consumers.
In 2019, roasting an average turkey in a 2kWh oven cost £1.19, but by 2024, that same task now costs £1.72.
Scotland’s electricity generation far exceeds its needs, producing a 15.9tWh surplus in 2023—almost double the country’s population share of the UK’s electricity.
Despite this, Scots face some of the highest energy bills in Europe, with further price hikes looming in January.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) argues that these soaring costs underline the urgent need for Scotland to take full control of its energy resources.
SNP MSP Bob Doris highlighted the issue, saying:
“The shocking 44% rise in the cost of cooking a Christmas dinner since 2019 is the price that Scots are paying for Westminster mismanagement of Scotland’s immense energy resources.”
Doris emphasised that Scotland produces 15.5% of the UK’s electricity despite having only 8.2% of its population.
“Yet, because of Westminster’s continual mismanagement, Scots continue to pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe,” he said.
Labour’s pre-election promise to slash energy bills by £300 has rung hollow, with bills instead increasing by £470 since they took office.
The situation is set to worsen, with another price increase anticipated at the start of 2025.
Doris concluded:
“The only way to ensure that Scots get a fair deal on electricity that reflects our country’s massive electricity surplus is with independence.”
As households prepare for the festive season, the rising cost of energy weighs heavily on the minds of many, igniting further debate about Scotland’s energy future.
