Use local renewables to fight fuel poverty, says MSP

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has pressed the Scottish housing minister to establish ways for communities, such as Orkney, to harness their renewable energy resources to provide lower cost electricity for those in fuel poverty.

Mr McArthur made the call during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on fuel poverty — defined as households spending more than ten per cent of their income on fuel.

Mr McArthur said: “Orkney has one of the highest rates of fuel poverty anywhere in Scotland.  This is the result of having more hard to heat homes, harsher winters and being off the gas grid.

“However, there are steps that can be taken to address this problem.  For example, Orkney could harness its renewable energy resources to provide cheaper electricity for fuel poor households in the islands.  Work to develop this idea has been on-going for some time, and I welcome the minister’s commitment to me that she will now explore this further with the Fuel Poverty Advisory Forum.”

He added: “The number of households in Orkney affected by fuel poverty is a scandal. Addressing this will require collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments, innovative solutions and more investment.  I will continue to press for all three.”