Over half of all rural and remote households live in fuel poverty, with fuel poverty levels significantly higher in rural Scotland.

And with Scots facing a cold winter, SNP MSP Kate Forbes has called on the UK government to tackle the surcharge as part of its proposed energy price cap.

Ms Forbes said: “Highland Scotland is energy-rich, with huge potential as a green energy powerhouse.

“The SNP’s commitment to establishing a publicly-owned, not-for-profit energy company will ensure that the public greater choice and the option of a supplier whose only job is to secure the lowest price for consumers.

“But residents in the Highlands face a completely unfair surcharge on their bills, despite the region facing amongst the highest rates of fuel poverty and often being most exposed to extreme weather.

“If Theresa May is serious about tackling high electricity bills, it’s time for her to end the Highland energy rip-off and tackle this surcharge as part of her price cap.”