Scottish families are paying the price of fossil fuel dependence
The Scottish Greens have called for urgent support for households and faster investment in renewable energy after forecasts warned that typical annual energy bills could rise by £276 in January.
Cornwall Insight forecasts a 16% increase to £1,999, which would mean the biggest rise in four years.
Scottish Greens spokesperson for energy, Kristopher Leask MSP said: “Families already struggling to heat their homes face another punishing increase at the coldest time of year.
“Every time conflict overseas sends international gas prices soaring, households here pay the price. Scotland has enormous renewable energy potential, yet people are still left choosing between heating and eating. That has come because of political choices, and it can be changed with political choices.
“We know that opening new oil and gas fields like Jackdaw and Rosebank, will not bring bills down, and we know that their output is sold on international markets instead of at home, leaving us exposed to the same price shocks time and time again.
“The answer is clear: investment in renewables, our grid and warmer homes, with more energy in public and community ownership so that the benefits reach the people living alongside it. What is missing is the political will to act now so that future generations of bill payers and energy workers can be given the security and transition they deserve.”
Kristopher added:
“The Scottish Government must deliver its £500 million Just Transition Fund commitment and turn that funding into jobs, training and targeted investment across the supply chain as a matter of urgency.
“That support must reach beyond the North East, including workers and communities around Flotta and Sullom Voe.
“The UK Government must help households through this winter and accelerate the shift away from volatile fossil fuels. We cannot keep leaving families to pick up the bill for the same broken energy system.”