Carmichael marks Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today [Thursday] marked Fuel Poverty Awareness Day by calling for further action from both the UK and Scottish governments to end the “scourge” of fuel poverty. Mr Carmichael joined charity National Energy Action earlier this week to discuss their work to tackle fuel poverty. The NEA has found that households in the Northern Isles missed out on approximately £160,000 from last year’s Energy Bills Support Scheme due to issues with the scheme.

Mr Carmichael said:

“This year’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day should be a moment to redouble our efforts – and finally end this scourge on lives and livelihoods.

“We need to see far more ambition from both our governments on fuel poverty – not just on expanding renewables and ensuring reliable energy supplies but in tackling energy efficiency with comprehensive insulation programmes. That millions of funds from the Energy Bills Support Scheme did not make it to households across the country last year – including around £160,000 missed in the isles alone – suggests that there are still serious flaws in how the government approaches this issue.”

He added:

“The isles have led the way in energy generation for this country – first in oil and gas and now in marine renewables. Now we need to lead the way in the elimination of fuel poverty, and make sure that islanders get a better deal on the energy generated here.”