SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has condemned Friday’s announcement from Ofgem that it will be raising its energy price cap by 10% from October.

Ofgem is a UK non-ministerial government department, and is responsible for regulating the energy market, including by setting the maximum unit price companies can charge for energy and gas unit prices every three months. While the price cap was lowered in April and July, the increase announced today will mean an average household’s bills will increase by £149 a year as winter approaches and usage increases. The price cap is also expected to rise by a further 3% in January.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“In their election campaign, Labour vowed to lower energy bills, and yet just a couple of months on we can see what a hollow promise this was.

“To allow a 10% rise when household budgets across the country are stretched to their maximum, all while cutting funding for fuel poverty support, is absolutely unacceptable. This move prioritises the growing profits of energy giants over Ofgem’s actual role of protecting consumers.

“Energy unfortunately remains a  matter reserved to the UK government, and I am calling, once again, on the UK Government to act swiftly to overhaul the outdated and hugely unfair UK energy system. Those in rural and island areas of Scotland are paying far higher prices for our energy, despite much of it being created in or near our own communities.”

Scottish Government cost-of-living support can be accessed via https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/