Isles representatives demand answers over energy price cap rise

The announcement that the price cap for energy is to rise from April onwards has sparked calls for specific measures to be put in place for islanders, as representatives from Orkney and Shetland voice fears over increased fuel poverty in the isles.

Northern Isles MP, Alistair Carmichael, and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart confirmed, today, Friday, that they have written urgently to Ofgem regarding this matter.

Both politicians have called on the government energy regulator to take into account the unique factors affecting islanders.

The letter follows a series of meetings between the representatives and Ofgem in recent weeks raising local concerns about price rises and problems with the behaviour of energy suppliers.

Mr Carmichael said: “We know that the Northern Isles persistently have some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the country – Ofgem needs to reflect on its role in ending this problem for good as a significant rise in the energy price cap does us no favours.

“In the meantime we are still pressing for resolution to the problems we have already raised on behalf of our constituents. With the route out of the pandemic still far from clear, a little more thought from Ofgem about the impact of these changes on those suffering the worst from fuel poverty would go a long way.”