Researchers have discovered that fuel poverty is wider and deeper in rural areas of Scotland compared to the rest of the country.

According to a report by the environmental charity Changeworks, the higher levels of fuel poverty in these regions have negatively impacted individuals’ health and contributed to their social isolation.

In 2019, 24% of Scottish households were affected by fuel poverty, and 12% were affected by acute fuel poverty. 40% of rural households in Scotland are in acute fuel poverty, while 33% are in fuel poverty. The researchers compared three regions – Caithness and Sutherland, Highlands and Islands, and remote rural areas – and interviewed individuals with experience of fuel poverty as well as frontline advisors.

High petrol costs in rural areas are a major factor. A case study of 781 social housing properties in Lochalsh and Skye found that tenants’ energy use was less than the UK average, yet their expenditures were higher than average.

Cold and wet climates, transportation, and lack of affordable accommodation in rural areas were also factors.

The report, commissioned by the Rural & Islands Housing Associations Forum, the Highlands & Islands Housing Associations Affordable Warmth Group (HIHAAW), and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, suggests solutions for the Scottish and UK governments as well as Ofgem to resolve the problem.

Recommendations include:

  • Improving the identification of those with enhanced heating requirements.
  • Broadening the eligibility of existing support.
  • Delivering more support on the ground through community anchor organisations and wider energy market reforms.

Di Alexander, chair of HIHAAW, stated, “This forensically examined report should be required reading for Ofgem and both governments, each of whom shares direct responsibility for allowing fuel poverty to reach its highest recorded UK levels in rural and remote Scotland, particularly in predominantly off-gas areas like the Highlands and Islands.”

Sally Thomas stated, “Now that we have this much-needed insight, we will work with our partners to lobby the Scottish government and the UK government to provide additional financial support, decouple the link between gas and electricity prices, and treat all UK households fairly, taking into account those who live in off-gas areas.”

Josiah Lockhart, chief executive officer of Changeworks, stated, “Even though individuals in rural areas use less energy on average, energy bills in rural Scotland are typically higher… We must listen to the members of these communities who have been given a voice in this research and provide proportional and relevant resources.”