Latest Press Releases
| ROBERTSON CALLS FOR OFF-GRID ENERGY ACTION |
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| Thursday, 15 September 2011 00:00 |
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MORAY HIT HARD WITH HIGH LEVEL OF DELIVERED OIL AND GAS RELIANCE In the wake of price hikes by the leading six energy providers, the SNP is pressing the Scotland Secretary over support for off-grid energy customers – who are not afforded the same regulatory protection and social tariffs as mains energy customers. Moray, along with other rural areas of Scotland have a high level of heating oil and gas usage which is delivered by tanker rather than via an energy network such as electricity and mains gas. The SNP’s Energy Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, backed by colleagues including local Moray MP Angus Robertson, has expressed exasperation that the Scotland Secretary failed to recognise the problem of getting off grid supplies delivered during severe weather after questioning what action Ministers were taking to avoid a repeat of the difficulties experienced during last winter’s severe weather. Speaking after the concerns were raised at Scottish Questions Angus Robertson MP said: “ With energy prices going through the roof, it is now urgent that off-grid energy customers are afforded the same protection as mains customers. “ Here in Moray there are many, many households that are reliant on heating oil and gas deliveries, and they do not have the same access to social tariffs and a large number of the rural fuel poor are unable to get help with heating bills at all. It is vital that this situation is addressed, and action taken to introduce robust regulation to protect consumers. “ It is a matter great exasperation that Michael Moore does not seem to have learnt any lessons from the delivery problems experienced during the severe weather last year. With winter in the air, we need an action plan to ensure we avoid a repeat of the difficulties encountered during last winter’s severe weather. “ Heating oil is now several times the cost per litre than it was just a few years ago and it is putting immense pressure on household budgets. “ Many people delay filling their tanks because of escalating costs, but once weather conditions deteriorate deliveries become difficult to people in rural areas. While suppliers need to speak to customers and look at ways to ensure adequate supplies are in place prior to winter the UK Government needs to re-evaluate the energy market and help those in fuel poverty. “ The SNP Government is working hard on improving energy efficiency in Scotland’s homes. Our £50million warm homes fund will build on the success of the energy assistance package helping those in communities worst affected by fuel poverty. But it is the UK Government that retains control on energy pricing regulation. ” The SNP has previously called for the additional tax the UK Government makes on price rises to be invested in tackling fuel poverty and we are urging them to take action immediately.” |
