A local authority leader has called for swift action from the UK Government to deliver its promise to cut power bills across the north and north-east.
Chancellor George Osborne announced at the Budget last week that an urgent consultation would be launched on a transmission charging system that costs families in the area hundreds of pounds extra a year.
Ministers aim to cut bills in northern Scotland by an average of £30 a year by next year.
The move follows the launch of the Press and Journal’s Fair Deal on Energy Prices campaign, which has highlighted the “post-code lottery” on electricity tariffs.
Angus Campbell, the leader of Western Isles Council, welcomed the plans and called for rapid implementation of the reform.
Speaking in Stornoway at a conference on fuel poverty, Councillor Campbell said: “This surcharge of 2p per unit is unfair and uncalled for and has had a serious impact on fuel poverty in the islands.
“The Comhairle, along with other bodies such as the Outer Hebrides Poverty Action Group and the Highlands and Islands Affordable Warmth Campaign, has made the case to both the Westminster and Holyrood governments to have the surcharged removed.
“This has been challenging, but I am pleased to hear that the chancellor, in his recent Budget, has announced a consultation on this issue.
“The consultation is, of course, welcome, but I would urge the government to act swiftly on this and to bring forward the recommendations as quickly as possible.”
He added: “Of course SSE could remove the charge now if the will was there and I would urge them to do exactly that.”