Campaign Leaders
Drew Hendry
Member of Parliament for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
“I am delighted to be launching the Highland Energy Rebate Campaign alongside my colleague Brendan O’Hara.
This initiative seeks to address the high energy costs faced by residents in the Highlands and Islands. It's a crucial step towards equitable energy pricing, especially given our region's significant contribution to the UK's renewable energy.
This is the start of a conversation on how we can collaboratively develop and deliver the Highland Energy Rebate. We invite the UK Government, local stakeholders, and energy companies to join us in this endeavour, aiming for a solution that benefits our communities and aligns with our national energy goals.”
Brendan O’Hara
Member of Parliament for Argyll and Bute
“The Highlands and Islands of Scotland produce far more clean, renewable energy than we can ever use. That energy heats and keeps the lights on in millions of homes across the United Kingdom.
Despite producing that energy, when we come to use it, we face some of the highest standing charges and the highest unit price in the UK, and we have the highest fuel poverty rates anywhere in the UK.
Unfortunately, it’s only the UK government who have the power to change that, and that’s why we have launched the campaign for a Highland Energy Rebate for residents of the Highlands and Islands. It’s high time we benefited from the energy we produce.”
“Our campaign endeavours to secure a commitment from the UK government for the implementation of a fair energy pricing and rebate scheme designed to benefit residents of the Highland & Islands. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness and foster understanding among Highland & Islands residents about the disparities inherent in the existing energy framework and Westminster policies.”
Scheme Benefits
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UK Government
By implementing the Highland Energy Rebate, the UK Government will benefit from reduced fuel poverty, more economic stability, and an advance in their alignment with Net Zero targets. The scheme will also provide the UK Government with an opportunity to demonstrate its willingness to address regional disparities and commitment to equitable policies. Furthermore, the scheme will also act as a model for addressing similar issues in other regions.
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Energy Companies
Participation in the scheme by energy companies will positively contribute to their corporate image and help align them with broader corporate sustainability and social responsibility goals. It may also make energy companies eligible for certain government incentives or benefits. The scheme will also increase the likelihood of infrastructure development buy-in.
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Highlands and Islands Residents
The Highland Energy Rebate will see people in the Highlands and Islands benefit from reduced energy costs and an improved quality of life as a result. The campaign can also increase awareness around energy consumption and sustainability, and the feeling of being heard and supported by the government can help to empower communities.
Implementation
To implement the scheme, the UK Government could allocate funds or implement policy changes to support this rebate scheme in the same way it intends to implement funds for those living near pylons. Existing energy policies could be modified to include provisions for regions contributing significantly to renewable energy, with the Highland region being the pilot area for the scheme.
The scheme could be administered through local councils or energy providers, following local authority boundaries where power generation is significantly above local usage. Clear eligibility criteria would be established, and rebates could be applied in the form of a percentage reduction directly to energy bills or through annual payments.
Want to support the Highland Energy Rebate Campaign?
If you would like to show your support for the initiative, you can sign the petition here. It takes less than 30 seconds to sign.
