On Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, the SNP has demanded the Westminster government devolve energy powers to Holyrood, after repeated failures to act have left an estimated 850,000 Scottish households in fuel poverty.
Figures from National Energy Action (NEA) show that 34% (around 850,000) of households in Scotland are currently living in fuel poverty, and 23% (over half a million) are living in extreme fuel poverty - despite being an energy rich country.
These figures come almost exactly a month after it was revealed that the three constituencies facing the highest average increase in energy bills are in Scotland.
Polling by the NEA also revealed that:
· Of the 49% UK adults that had turned their heating off even though it was cold outside over the last three months, Scots were more likely to say they had done so.
· Of the 41% UK prepayment customers who were self disconnected over the last three months, Scottish households with prepayment meters were more likely to say they had done so.
· Of the 43% of UK adults who had gone to bed to stay warm over the last three months, Scots were more likely to say they had done so.
Scotland produces six times more gas than it consumes and two thirds of its electricity comes from renewable sources in Scotland.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“It is frightening that 850,000 households in Scotland are sadly living in fuel poverty in 2023. Scotland is an energy rich country with natural resources in abundance, so this should not be the case.
“These statistics are the consequence of decades of failed energy policy from Westminster governments we haven’t voted for. For too long the UK Treasury has raked in the profits that Scotland's natural resources have generated, while seeing nothing in return.
“We saw it again with the recent autumn statement – the Westminster government failed to use the profits to give families in Renfrewshire, and the rest of Scotland, a £400 energy rebate. If Westminster won’t act, it must devolve energy and welfare powers to Scotland so we can.
“Only with the full powers of independence can Scotland chart its own course to green growth in the wider European market. Scotland has the energy, we just need the powers.”