Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
The Highlands and islands report some of the highest energy bills in the country due to a number of issues and a disproportionate rate of fuel poverty, despite being geographically close to the source of much of the UK’s energy production.
“I would go so far as to say that this is the greatest injustice to our islands, and indeed to the Highlands, but this is the greatest injustice of our time,” he said.
“It is a great shock and for generations to come, that our islands are responsible for producing such a wealth of power that actually keeps the lights on throughout this country and could, at some point, keep the lights on beyond this country, yet we have pensioners and others in fuel poverty.”
The Deputy First Minister drew attention to comments from Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson, who said Scots could enjoy the “cheapest electricity in Europe” if a system of regional pricing was implemented.
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Ms Forbes added: “My great hope, I suspect it’s disappointing, is that Labor tackles this head on. That really addresses it.
“GB Energy has its place, right? He will do what he needs to do, but it is not about addressing that injustice.
“What we need is a big vision from the UK Government, which the Scottish Government is prepared to support for total reform, that says ‘this is Scotland’s energy and we will not tolerate anyone in poverty fuel that lives within a meter or a mile of that. these turbines’.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect consumers from future energy price shocks is by moving towards home power.
“We are reviewing the responses to the consultation on reforming electricity markets and will ensure that any reform options taken forward focus on protecting bill payers.
“We are also considering ways to make sure that communities living near new clean energy infrastructure see the benefits of this.”
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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