Rural Voices Heard Thanks to Forum

The Rural and Islands Housing Association Forum (RIFPAG), alongside others including Muirneag, regularly meets to address the unique energy challenges facing Scotland’s rural and island communities. Together, they submitted a joint response to Ofgem’s consultation on the future of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) and proposed licence changes, highlighting concerns for fuel-poor households reliant on complex electric Restricted heating systems including historically named: Total Heating Total Control (THTC).

RIHAF’s response calls for clearer definitions within the policy, better planning and communication from suppliers, fairer tariffs, and a debt amnesty to protect vulnerable households. In November, Stewart also attended a Rural and Islands Fuel Poverty Action Group meeting with Ofgem Chairman Mark McAllister, raising these issues directly. The Chairman welcomed the group’s constructive approach, recognising the urgency of supporting rural communities through this transition.