A ComRes survey conducted on behalf of radio station BBC 5Live has shown that 36% of Scottish residents are concerned about paying for heating bills this winter and some 74% of Scots said that in times of economic difficulty it is more important to provide power as cheaply as possible than reduce carbon emissions.
Murdo Fraser MSP believes that this poll illustrates the concerns of ordinary residents who in principle support green energy but struggle with the high fuel bills resulting from renewable subsidies.
The poll also showed that 71% of Scots supported more Coal, Oil and Gas stations if they helped reduce fuel bills.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Current onshore wind farm subsidies are pushing more and more Scots into fuel poverty. This survey highlights this by showing that over a third of Scottish households are concerned about paying their heating bills this winter.
“In principle, Scots are supportive of a drive to create cleaner energy sources, but in practice are alarmed at current energy costs.
“The fact that nearly three-quarters of Scots believe that providing power as cheaply as possible in times of economic difficulty is more important than reducing carbon emissions highlights a belief that the Scottish Government has got their priorities all wrong.
“To illustrate this point an incredible 71% of Scots support more fossil fuel stations if they make energy more affordable.
“The Scottish Government must ensure that it supports a balanced energy portfolio that is not over-reliant on expensive renewable energy.”