Minister calls on UK Government for more support for consumers struggling with energy bills

Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan has written to the UK Government to reiterate calls for a social tariff for energy pricing – a mechanism for providing more affordable energy tariffs to those in most need – and for the reform of standing charges for home energy.

Dr Allan is chairing a roundtable with energy suppliers and consumer groups on Thursday 12 September to discuss action that the Scottish Government and its partners can take together to support consumers struggling with their energy bills.

Dr Allan said:

“The Scottish Government has repeatedly called for a social tariff for those who need it the most, including those in extreme fuel poverty. There continues to be widespread support across the energy and consumer sectors for the introduction of such a mechanism, and I am looking forward to discussing next steps at the roundtable.

“Standing charges must also be reformed to ensure a fairer and more equitable system, particularly for rural and island communities which are currently faced with higher than average standing charges.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with the UK Government, energy suppliers, Ofgem, and the third sector to develop detailed and deliverable proposals for a social tariff. However, all of the above must be underpinned by meaningful market reform.”

Letter to UK Government Minister for Energy Consumers