Jamie Stone has called on the UK Government to include Highland communities in plans for a new discounted electricity pilot, arguing the region should directly benefit from the energy it produces.

The MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross has written to ministers ahead of the scheme, which is expected to test reduced energy costs in areas hosting renewable infrastructure.

The pilot is designed to explore how communities located near energy generation sites can access cheaper electricity, particularly where surplus power cannot be fully used by the grid.

Stone has argued the Highlands are uniquely positioned to take part, given the scale of renewable energy produced across the region.

Despite this, he pointed out that many households continue to face some of the highest energy costs in the country.

He also highlighted the specific challenges faced by rural communities, including reliance on electric heating, off grid fuel use and older housing stock that is more difficult to heat.

These factors continue to drive fuel poverty across the Highlands, particularly during long winter periods.

Jamie Stone said:

“Highland communities produce vast amounts of clean energy, yet local people are not seeing the benefit in their energy bills.

“At the same time, many households deal with higher heating costs during the long and cold winters.

“This pilot presents an opportunity to take a fairer approach ensuring that communities hosting renewable infrastructure can directly benefit from it.

“Our communities are not only well-suited to take part in this pilot, they are among those who need it most.

“It is only right that those living alongside renewable infrastructure share in its benefits.”

Stone has asked the Government to clarify how areas will be selected for the pilot and what engagement will take place with local authorities.

The proposal feeds into a wider debate about how the benefits of renewable energy are shared, particularly in regions where infrastructure is concentrated but costs remain high.

With pressure continuing on household budgets, the outcome of the pilot could have significant implications for communities across the Highlands.