The SNP candidate for Moray has backed a campaign calling for urgent action to cut energy bills for households and businesses across Scotland.
Laura Mitchell, who is standing for the Scottish National Party, has thrown her support behind Believe in Scotland and its End Scotland’s Energy Bill Rip Off campaign.
The campaign argues that Scotland’s energy rich position is not being reflected in what people actually pay for power.
It is calling on the UK Government to end extra standing charges for Scottish consumers and deliver a fair and transparent energy pricing system.
Campaigners also want a pricing benefit that recognises Scotland’s contribution to clean energy generation, alongside a published plan with firm dates to lower bills.
The demands include cancelling all new energy price rises planned by the regulator in 2026.
Energy bills for households in Moray and across Scotland have risen sharply under both Conservative and Labour governments.
Mitchell said soaring costs were indefensible given the scale of renewable energy production in the area.
“Scotland produces an energy surplus and the fact we produce a surplus of low cost, clean energy, should mean low energy bills for Scottish households.
“That is especially true in communities like Moray where huge amounts of renewable energy is being produced on our doorsteps.
“Instead, energy bills have soared under Tory and Labour governments and promises to cut bills have not been delivered.
“It is a scandal that in energy rich Moray so many are living in fuel poverty, and our communities are not feeling the benefit of our natural resources.
“That’s why I’m backing Believe in Scotland’s campaign to end the energy bill rip off.”
Mitchell said independence was central to changing how energy wealth is shared.
“Of course, independence is the fresh start that Scotland needs, where our communities can finally benefit from our vast energy wealth.
“Voters in Moray have the opportunity to choose that fresh start by voting SNP in May.”
